Abandoned Stelling View Market being revived
THE once thriving Stelling View Market, in the vicinity of Stabroek Market in Georgetown, will be revived by the Markets’ Division of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
Replicating the transformation that has become the New Vendors Mall on Water Street, where some 180 vendors were relocated from off the streets and other thoroughfares, the abandoned Stelling View Market will accommodate about 50 more.
The plan was outlined when Clerk of Markets, Mr. Schulder Griffith, in company with Project Consultant, Mr. Errol Brisport and the Assistant Clerk of Markets, Ms. Simone McKend took the Guyana Chronicle on a tour of the new facility yesterday.
Griffith disclosed that the project is the biggest the Markets’ Division will undertake since the completion of the New Vendors Mall.
He said the stalls at Stelling view will be modern and constructed with different design.
Griffith said stallholders who vend opposite Stabroek Market and along Water Street will be given first preference for occupancy but if they decline by a given time, there will be no alternative but to offer the available space to other interested persons.
He said, so far, though, while everyone does not wish to relocate, many have taken up the challenge to do so and made applications to be accommodated.
According to Griffith, the arrangement for actual construction of stalls is public/private and the Ministry of Transport and Hydraulics has said it will complete the Stelling View floor shortly.
The M&CC will take care of lighting, the gates and fence, among other things, he said.
Stallholders will, however, erect their respective stalls at their own expense but according to specifications under the guidance of the Markets’ Division, Griffith announced.

DESIRE

He said toilet facilities will be provided and prospective stallholders have already expressed their desire to maintain them.
Meanwhile, standpipes have been installed and more amenities are yet to be put in place, Griffith mentioned.
Some of the businesses that will be located there include boutiques, barber shops, salons, haberdasheries, fruits and vegetables.
The stalls will be built around the fenced area and a huge benab will house fruits, vegetables and provision sellers.
Griffith remarked that people are always apprehensive to move at first, as in the case of the Vendors Arcade and the New Vendors Mall. But, when they see progress, they rush to secure space.
He recalled that Stelling View was a thriving market years ago but, for some reason, those who occupied it were allowed to go back on Water Street and others followed them to maintain competition.
The restoration started January month end and Griffith said it is expected to be completed in three months, with the rent that will be collected to cover the cost of maintenance, so that the facility can pay for itself.