Menlyn’s melting pot : revitalising fluid food trade at the Menlyn Junction

Abstract

The Menlyn Melting Pot design proposal aims to transform Pretoria's Menlyn Piazza into a cohesive and adaptable space that supports local entrepreneurs, fluid food vendors, and the broader community. Currently, congestion and competition for space between taxis, pedestrians, and fluid food vendors along the sidewalk on Lois Avenue—situated between Menlyn Park and Menlyn Maine—create an unstructured setting that leads to persistent conflicts, lack of infrastructure, and safety risks. The absence of designated zones for storage, preparation, or trading forces vendors to work under precarious conditions, often resulting in inefficient methods and repeated removals by local authorities.

This project focuses on resolving these spatial and social conflicts by reimagining the public space to better accommodate all users. The plan introduces modular vendor stalls, communal seating areas, and a redesigned sidewalk that designates zones for vendors, pedestrians, cyclists, and taxis to ensure smooth flow and reduce congestion. By creating a well-organized, inviting urban environment, the design empowers fluid food vendors through adaptable stalls that can be tailored to their specific needs, supported by a shared prep kitchen and vendor support services like the culinary workshop and entrepreneurship learning hub. These services provide vital infrastructure for safe food preparation and offer opportunities for skill development and business growth.

The framework connects Menlyn Park to Menlyn Maine, positioning Menlyn Piazza as a central hub that bridges these retail areas. Additionally, the incorporation of regenerative farming and green spaces enhances the project's sustainability, aesthetics, and environmental impact, promoting local food production and community engagement. The Menlyn Melting Pot proposal seeks to create a vibrant public space that supports social and economic inclusion while ensuring the sustainable growth and recognition of fluid food vendors within the urban fabric.