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Commercial development at AECI - such as the Somerset Mall - has not "killed off" Somerset West's traditional CBD area along Main Road, according to one business owner in the town who is eager to promote her young enterprise. Karin Holtzhausen said fears voiced since before the development of the Somerset Mall in the early 1990s and again when it expanded in 2004, have proven largely unfounded.

In her view, while many businesses left for the higher shopper traffic offered by larger shopping centres, many new ones who are unable or unwilling to pay the generally higher rental fees, have taken their place.

Some developers have invested in the town centre, revamping older buildings to attract retail tenants. The centre where Holtzhausen's shop is situated - Fountain Square - is a case in point.

Formerly known as Morkel's Arcade, Fountain Square was revitalised in recent years. It retained some of its former tenants, but has seen the addition of a number of others, among them Ollie's Boere Deli and Holtzhausen's Bella Rosa - an eclectic decor and gift shop.

Photograph display
Other tenants in the centre include Marvellous Maids; Arcade Hairdressers, established in 1952; Whirlaway and Cleanway; and, Arlene Paperback book exchange.

There's also a display, arranged by Holtzhausen - who grew up in Somerset West - of black and white photographs taken of the town in years gone by. The collection is owned by local businessman Peter Hodge.

Among items on sale at Bella Rosa include old suitcases, crocheted old table cloths and items of second-hand furniture.

Her hours of business are 08:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday and 08:30 to 13:00 on Saturday.

She can be contacted on 083 357 4861.

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