Uplifting Vryheid one step at a time

Vryheid’s newest shopping centre is now open to the public

The highly anticipated launch of the AbaQulusi Plaza (formerly Vryheid Plaza) last Tuesday was led by Mayor, Cllr Khehla Mkhwanazi, at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
He was accompanied by representatives from the local taxi association, bus service providers and Fortress Retail, the landlord of the property.

The newly revamped centre includes over 50 well-known retailers. Customers will enjoy free WiFi and the convenience of shopping in a beautiful retail environment that is situated on the town’s main transport route to and from workplaces.
The existing facilities such as restrooms, the façade, centre management offices and signage have all been upgraded.
Most importantly, AbaQulusi Plaza has backup power and water to ensure retailers can continue to serve customers when load-shedding or water-shedding occurs.

“We are pleased to finally welcome shoppers to Abaqulusi Plaza! We thank everyone for their patience while we built the centre – we know people will agree that the disruption was well worth it,” said Donovan de Lange, Asset Manager, Fortress Retail
“We are proud of our partnerships with the local municipality, taxi associations and bus service providers, as we have come to an agreement that works for everyone.
“We wish the plaza traders well as they begin their journey as tenants of our centre and hope that their businesses grow from strength to strength,” de Lange concluded.

One of the most significant enhancements is the new taxi and bus rank, which is larger than the original rank. The area has been covered to ensure comfort for both commuters and drivers, and a new bridge seamlessly connects the parking area, bus ranks, and taxi holding areas to the centre, ensuring safe and convenient access for all shoppers.

“AbaQulusi Plaza is proud to welcome informal traders who previously operated outside the centre as official tenants. These plaza traders will now have kiosks to showcase their products and services in an inviting retail setting, with access to clean, secure indoor facilities.”

The roads surrounding the centre have been upgraded: a new traffic circle and slipway installed, and a dedicated motorised parking area built. From an environmental point of view, the municipal stormwater drainage system around the centre has been rehabilitated and the river that runs through the property cleaned, upgraded and secured. There is a full waste management plan in place including recycling of waste generated at the centre.

ALSO READ: Multi-million rand mall construction underway

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.