Businesses around the inner Sydney explosion site that claimed the lives of three people, including a baby, are struggling, the local mayor says, as parts of the shopping strip remain closed.
Bianka O'Brien, 31, her one-year-old son Jude and neighbour Chris Noble, 27, died during the explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed a convenience store and adjoining units in Rozelle last Thursday.
Leichhardt council says the remains of the fire-damaged building on Darling St must be demolished before the shopping strip can reopen. The council issued orders for the building to be demolished last week and the building owner has until Friday to comply.
But Mayor Darcy Byrne said businesses in Rozelle need customers as soon as possible.
"Businesses are open, but they're struggling. We need people to visit the strip and make sure we can bring Rozelle back to life," Mr Byrne told reporters on Tuesday.
Despite the push to knock down the building, NSW Police have not completed their crime scene investigation.
Investigators have ruled out the involvement of a silver sedan in the explosion but won't confirm reports of accelerant being found on the site.
"I understand that's the report, but I have no comment," a police spokesman from State Crime Command said on Monday.
Detectives have spoken to convenience store owner Adeel Khan, 44, in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Mr Khan has been in a serious condition there since emergency services dug him out of the debris by hand after the explosion ripped through the building just after 4am last Thursday.
Neighbours have told media outlets that Mr Khan usually closed his store at midnight and reopened it at 7am.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, with Strike Force Baracchi launched to investigate the fire.
Parts of Darling St still remain closed to vehicles between Victoria Rd and Beattie St.
Safety concerns about the structural integrity of the partially destroyed building have also prevented some residents from returning to their nearby homes to collect personal belongings.
Inspector Gary Coffey said police were continuing to monitor the building which could collapse at any time.
The site is expected to be given the all clear for asbestos on Tuesday.
Leichhardt council is proposing to waiver some council fees for struggling businesses.
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