City Council still in talks to revitalise Merriman’s Mall

Amid massive investments earmarked to improve markets nationwide, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has said the city is continuing efforts to establish a structured market space at Merriman’s Mall.

He told the News Room that the city is examining proposals for a new facility that would provide a more organised environment for vendors while reducing congestion along nearby roadways.

“Based on the mandamus that we’ve had, which we eventually got dismissed at the level of the court, we are still proceeding with the Merriman’s Mall issue.

“While we want to do a shed-like concept, I’m also talking with some private investors so we can have a two-storey concept market,” Mentore said.

Vendors operating along Robb and Alexander streets near Yhip’s Bakery were previously removed after a High Court order prohibited vending in the immediate vicinity of the property. The removal left several vendors without a location to conduct business and renewed calls for the city to provide an alternative vending space.

The Merriman’s Mall has long been discussed as the space for vending in the area but inadequate space posed an issue. Proposals were previously presented to the council outlining works needed to retrofit the area to accommodate vendors displaced from the Bourda market vicinity.

Mentore said the shed-like concept originally proposed might not be adequate and so, they are also exploring a two storey-concept market with air conditioning.

Mentore said they are also looking to partner with central government to help fund the project.

“While we’re also doing that, I’ve also taken note on Central Government’s position on it and I see there’s a small allocation in that budget,” he said.

The Mayor said discussions are still ongoing and the final design for the facility has not yet been completed, but the aim is to create a modern and organised market space for the vendors.

“We are working on those measures. We’re not final, but those are things that we are looking at,” he said.

He also assured persons that throughout the process the communication with the vendors was maintained during the High Court matter and even now.