Festival Mall in Kempton Park has been temporarily closed following a severe rain and hailstorm that battered the area last night. The storm caused significant damage to sections of the shopping centre's roof, primarily affecting the area between Woolworths and Edgars.
According to a statement released on Facebook by Festival Mall management, the centre was closed at the time of the storm, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. Security and management teams responded swiftly, alerting the necessary authorities to assess the damage.
"Teams worked through the night to assess the extent of the damage and begin planning repair work to ensure the mall can reopen safely," the statement read. The priority remains the safety of shoppers and staff. "Safety is, and always remains, our top priority," the mall emphasized.
The mall will remain closed until it is certified safe to reopen. Management has promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available regarding the extent of the damage and the estimated time for repairs. Residents of Kempton Park are advised to check the Festival Mall's social media pages for the latest announcements.
This closure will undoubtedly impact local shoppers and businesses within the mall. The economic implications of the closure are yet to be fully determined.
Impact on Local Businesses
The temporary closure of Festival Mall is likely to have a ripple effect on local businesses operating within the centre. Retailers, restaurants, and service providers will face a period of disruption and potential loss of income. The duration of the closure will be a crucial factor in determining the overall impact on their operations.
Future Updates
Newsrpt.com will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for the latest information on the reopening of Festival Mall and the recovery efforts in Kempton Park.