Word on the street is that there are a few new, exciting things coming to the City of Roses in the next month or two.
These include new restaurants, coffee shops, and even an ice rink. Mimosa Mall recently announced that Starbucks will be opening its doors in the mall in early August.
Bloemfontein Courant spoke to Chillzone Ice Arena’s Dave Draper. He says the ice rink will be opening at the Windmill Centre where the bowling alley used to be.
Dave says the site is ideal for an ice rink, with an enclosed mezzanine overlooking the ice as it allows parents and friends to watch their children and friends while they enjoy a hot or cold drink.
“I’ve been negotiating with the owners of the Centre for the past few months and am looking forward to having the rink up and running within the next month or so. I know that there are a few entertainment venues in Bloemfontein, but feel that now is a fantastic time to introduce a family friendly entertainment venue,” he says.
The publication took to the streets to find out how the City’s people feel about all these exciting developments:
Amelia Vincent says she is a big fan of Starbucks. “It is a well-known brand worldwide and it will attract a lot of people. It always has such a great environment and I’m looking forward to that. I’m also excited for the ice rink as I have lots of great memories from an ice rink in Cape Town and having one here would be lovely.”
Dazlynn Majiedt says as a mother with two busy boys, finding ways to entertain them with new things to do in and around Bloemfontein is a challenge. “The ice rink coming to Bloemfontein is great; I just hope they make provision for both younger children and adults. As for Starbucks – may their coffee be stronger than my strong-willed pre-schoolers.”
Kgosi Motsepe: “I am excited about the new businesses coming into the City. It definitely is a good thing for us as it will create jobs as we have a high unemployment problem, but more so there will be a variety of things people in the City can do. I definitely welcome these new ventures as they will also contribute to the City’s economy at large.”
Mirischian Immelman says it is high time for some excitement in Bloem. “Now you don’t have to wonder what to do with yourself on weekends!”
Shaunese van der Merwe: A very excited Shaunese van der Merwe says as a coffee[1]lover she cannot wait for Starbucks to open. “I’ve been waiting for this to happen for so long! I’m looking forward to lots of coffee dates.”
Thabo Ramabolu says he believes the new things coming to Bloemfontein are great because “as a Metro we’ve been functioning like a small town. So it’s about time.”
Keep an eye on both Mimosa Mall and Chillzone’s social media pages for updates on the official opening of Starbucks and the ice rink.
Justine Fortuin
justine@mahareng.co.za
