Greenmarket traders support development plans

“The traders have waited patiently and expressed their sincere thanks for today's [Monday's] progress,” Councillor Simon Grindrod, Mayoral Committee for Economic, Social Development and Tourism said.

“Greenmarket Square will become a platform for job creation and economic development. My heartfelt thanks go out to all the traders who have given the City their support. I am pleased that all the traders will be accommodated after the upgrade.”

Mansoor Mohamed, Executive Director of Economic, Social Development and Tourism said: "Everything we are doing on Greenmarket Square will have to be seen within the broader context of SMME [small medium and micro enterprises] development and economic empowerment to the average man.

“We have a long-term-plan and it looks very exciting. We will aim to reduce the unnecessary regulation to make it easier for small businesses to operate. I will in place a Markets Development and Promotion capacity in my department to help market space grow.”

The upgrades for Greenmarket Square include cobble maintenance; improving the ablution block; beautifying the space with greenery; installing heritage features; enhancing the capacity to hold events and making the area more pedestrian-friendly.

The broader development plan for Greenmarket Square may include establishing a representative Greenmarket Square Trader's Association to interface with the City.

It will also include developing mechanisms to help traders market Greenmarket Square collectively.

The plan will also ensure an optimal mix of goods sold to maximise profit for traders.

It will develop closer working relationships with surrounding formal businesses as well as introducing themed trading days and Sunday markets.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews