What now for the significant H&J Smith site?

"You would have to anticipate there is a good chance it will come down and then it becomes a wonderful green field opportunity for a range of potential uses."

There are now question marks in regards to what’s in store for the site of the H&J Smith department store.

From 3pm on Saturday one of the key pieces to Invercargill’s inner city jigsaw puzzle will sit largely empty and unused.

For over 100 years the H&J Smith department store has operated from its 12000sqm site which is bordered by Kelvin, Esk, and Tay Streets.

The department store will close for the final time on Saturday leaving question marks attached to the future of such a key site.