WATCH: Randburg Flea Market closing down

PRESIDENT RIDGE – Flea Market vendors are left out in the cold as Brightwater Commons is planning to demolish the market.

October 14, 2015

Phathu Luvhengo 2 minutes read

Vendors have until 31 December to conduct their business at the Randburg Flea Market.

Two months from now, the Flea Market section at the Brightwater Commons Shopping Centre will no longer be operating.

Brightwater Commons marketing officer Talitha Spykerman said the new strategy and vision of the centre was to re-establish the connection with the surrounding community.

Residents will no longer shop at the Flea Market.

“A set strategic tenant mix has been selected and approached, while a pace has been set to improve the infrastructure and offering moving the centre toward this brighter future,” Spykerman explained.

She indicated that the Flea Market management was given notice to vacate the area by 31 December, a move which infuriated most vendors.

According to the marketing officer the centre has been considering all the proposals received from market vendors who were looking for space within the new layout.

“We will only be signing with those that fit within the required tenant mix to achieve the vision for the bright future of Brightwater Commons.

“Management will demolish most of the market buildings in order to re-establish the line of site across the centre. We will keep and also improve the soft landscaping, paved walkways, village greens, and add additional theme park rides and kid’s entertainment, as well as featured family events,” Spykerman added.

The Flea Market is not part of the new developments at the Brightwater Commons Shopping Centre.

She concluded that the Halloween event scheduled for 31 October was not cancelled, as it there was a rumour that the centre had cancelled its popular events.

Lee Anne Watson of Randburg Flea Market flea market said they did not have any alternative, except to close it down. “As a result, our tenants will no longer work there,” Watson said.

She explained that they were disappointed with the decision but could not do anything since management had decided to demolish the area.

Manfred (not his real name) said his shop was his only source of income and he does not know what to do anymore.

“I have been selling here for the past over 20 years and have established good relationships with some of the clients,” he said.

Most vendors, who spoke on condition of anonymity, complained that management was destroying their businesses which took them years to build up and sustain.

“It is terrible – no one told us what is happening, we just heard rumours that they are going to close down the place,” said another vendor.