Retail Park fire: Centre operational, too early to determine a time frame for the restoration process
The effected area has been cordonded off and management is in the process of erecting fencing to prevent the public accessing the area
The morning of July 26 turned into a nightmare for some store owners in Boksburg when part of the local shopping hotspot Retail Park in North Rand Road, Bartlett, went up in flames.
By Thursday afternoon, five stores – Coricraft, Totalsports, Jam, Adidas and Tekkie Town – were left gutted.
Retail Park management, in a statement, said they appreciated the fire department’s quick response and professional manner in responding to the event.
“The cause of the fire and extent of the damage is being investigated by the assessors appointed by our insurers,” said René Blankers, portfolio and office manager at Retail Park, which forms part of the Bentel Group.
“As far as we are aware there was no one present in the premises when the fire started.”
According to Blankers, standard evacuation procedures are in place, which were adhered to.
“The area was immediately cordoned off and the fire brigade contacted. The centre’s fire equipment, as well as the individual shops’ fire requirements, have been properly maintained and functioned effectively to contain the fire.
“The premises has, since the fire, been handed back to centre management by the fire department and the centre has been declared safe for public use.
Blankers said it is still too early to give a time frame yet for the restoration process.
“We will endeavour to limit the downtime to the best of our ability.
“In the meantime, the centre is open for business and shops affected will trade when it is safe to do so. We thank the public for their co-operation and understanding.”
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Watch: Five stores left gutted by blaze
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