New Vendors’ Mall almost in ‘full swing’ again

May 09, 2009 News

A section of the completed Mall in operation yesterday

Although a date for the formal opening of the New Vendors’ Mall is yet to be announced, most vendors have resumed their operation at the facility.
Yesterday several vendors were conducting business at the already revamped site, which now sports several brightly painted stalls; effectively clearing the northern and eastern peripheries, which they had previously occupied to allow construction, works to progress unhindered.

Many expressed satisfaction at the current status of the facility even as they noted their optimism that their operation there would be much improved.
But though most of the stalls have been completed, some vendors have requested more time to add some finishing touches to their structures.

Clerk of Market, Schulder Griffith, yesterday said that permission has been granted to the vendors for an extended period to complete their stalls. He said that additional enhancement works are likely to be carried out before the opening. Works such as fencing, installation of lighting fixtures and the setting up of a dining area for persons who desire to utilise the services of the snackettes that are already operational aback of the facility, are to be completed soon. According to Griffith, the Municipality is currently seeking the assistance of a developer to ensure that the proposed projects are meticulously put in place for the benefit of the vendors.

However, he noted that the formal opening would not be put off indefinitely pending the completion of the stalls.
He speculated that a month end date, possibly May 30, could be the ideal date by which the mall could be formally opened.
It was initially scheduled for a March month end completion but due to some challenges the mall is now slated for a delayed grand opening.
The works were implemented in order to enhance the appearance of the shopping facility with the aim of making it more appealing to customers.
In the past, some vendors although they met their rental obligations to the Municipality, had preferred to utilise the pavement since they were convinced that the Mall (formerly the Toolsie Persaud Mall) was too remote for customers to venture.
As such vendors were approached with a proposal, which detailed plans of them having a more spacious environment.

The Mall was reduced to rubble earlier this year and it was expected that the stalls would have been completed by the end of last month.
The vendors, as a result, were allowed to ply their trade on the northern and eastern periphery of the mall as the work progressed.
A total of 177 stallholders offering clothing, haberdashery, greens, groceries and fast food, will be accommodated at the facility when it is fully operational.
Municipal officials are optimistic that the rental of the stalls will serve to maintain the facility and contribute to the Municipal revenue base at the same time.