'Plain is a booming business hub

The Town Centre, constructed at a cost of R20 million in 1979 and opened in 1980, and the many other shopping hubs in the area were planned to ensure that much of the considerable spending power of its residents stayed within the area itself.

According to the City Council, the Town Centre was part of the package deal for Mitchell’s Plain to make it a self-contained town. In October 1980, the Town Centre officially opened with more than 100 different business, ranging from the small “one-counter”operation to the large chain stores. This picture spread, from the archives, shows the the origins of the Town Centre with its many walkways, lanes and squares, such as Symphony Walk, Minuet Lane, Harmony Square and Polka Square.