Planning for a new Mackenzie Market in Linden has begun following a visit to the town by a team from the Local Government Ministry, including officers, engineers and consultants, on Thursday.
Mayor Dominique Blair said the team’s visit focused on the proposed layout, logistics and other key considerations that will guide development of the new market.
He said the first stage will involve preparing the drawings and design, which will provide the basis for the project before construction begins.
“Happy to share that today, a team from the Ministry visited Linden with officers, engineers, and consultants as we begin the planning process for the new Mackenzie Market,” Blair said in announcing the development.
According to the mayor, the planning exercise is an important first step towards transforming the concept into a completed facility.
The development comes as the Linden municipality seeks to improve market facilities and address congestion associated with commercial activity in the town.
During an earlier discussion on municipal issues, Blair said budgetary funding had already been allocated for rehabilitation of the existing Mackenzie Market and that there were plans to upgrade the facility.
Meanwhile, discussions are continuing on the establishment of market space in Wismar.
Blair previously said the location initially earmarked for a Wismar market is now occupied, prompting the council to engage the ministry on an alternative site.
“The first area that was earmarked is currently occupied,” Blair said, explaining that the council was engaging the ministry to identify another area within Wismar.
In his Thursday update, Blair said talks are also ongoing concerning the Wismar Market, Wisroc and other proposed economic zones, with a progress report to be provided to the public.
He expressed optimism that the Mackenzie Market project would move from planning to implementation.
