Liberty Properties invest R7-million Taxi Rank upgrades at Eastgate Shopping Centre

Residents in the Eastern suburbs of Johannesburg are set to benefit from the newly opened and modernised Taxi Rank following an investment of R7 million by Liberty Properties at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bedfordview.

Liberty Properties is pleased to announce the official opening of its new taxi rank following an investment of approximately R7 million at Eastgate Shopping Centre. The relocated, upgraded rank will function as a key commuter hub for the broader Eastern suburbs of Johannesburg.

The Eastgate taxi rank services the following areas: Bedfordview , Soweto, Vosloorus, Spruitview, Pomola, Leondale, Alberton, Katlehong, Natalspruit, Braamfontein, Germiston, Kempton Park, Edenvale, Alexandra, Midrand and Ivory Park

The centre, owned by the Liberty Group and managed by Liberty Properties, is amongst the largest super regional malls in the country and recent research shows that 30% of its shoppers travel there via public transport.

Commenting on the new rank, Maurice Mdlolo, Chief Operating Officer for Liberty Properties says: ‘Eastgate has been a landmark in the area for more than thirty years, and it’s an important part of our business strategy to work together with the community that supports us. The Ekurhuleni Council had been looking for a suitable space to house a prominent taxi rank for some time, and the Eastgate precinct presented the ideal solution. For the centre, it’s an excellent opportunity to offer a significant percentage of its shoppers a more convenient transport experience.’

Hester Wasserfall, Deputy Shopping Centre Manager for Eastgate Shopping Centre adds that the relocation of the taxi rank provides shoppers with easier access to the centre. ‘We worked closely with the four taxi associations operating in the area to agree on the chosen location as well as the various requirements.

The upgraded site is a modernised, larger space able to accommodate 140 bays (the previous area could only house 85 bays). It is also under cover with improved public facilities. Liberty Properties will be responsible for providing a clean, secure environment for all commuters using the new facility.’

The new Eastgate rank is located near the Mica Store with easy access via Entrance 5 and 6 into the centre. The relocation from the previous site just off Bradford Road will also relieve an element of congestion experienced during peak travel times.

Liberty Properties and Eastgate Shopping Centre are proud to have the opportunity to participate in such a vital community infrastructure project.