Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Project a shot in arm for Belhar
8 Drive-through pharmacy a first for city
A 24-HOUR pharmacy with a drive-through, a medical care centre and a helipad has been proposed for Belhar.
Raphael Swanepoel, owner of Bel- Kem pharmacy in the area, wants to build an ultra-modern complex that will also include 34 two-bedroom apartments. It will also have floor space for rented offices.
The project, expected to cost about R55 million, is set for completion next year.
The existing 120m² pharmacy will be demolished to make way for a 452m² state-ofthe-art complex.
Situated on the corner of Amandel Road and Barberton Link, the erf covers 4 190m² of land.
“The perception of Belhar is of a poorer income environment, and the idea of this project is to change that and bring positive vibrations to our community,” Swanepoel said. “Nothing has been going on in Belhar in terms of developments. I’m not a property developer, I’m a thoroughbred pharmacist who wants to see a change in Belhar.”
He said the project would attract surrounding communities. Swanepoel rented the land for 26 years before acquiring it three years ago.
“The drive-through is for the after-hours service. After 9pm, the pharmacy closes and the drive-through is activated. It’s purely for the safety and convenience of our people. It’s a pretty enclosed place.”
The building has been around for 40 years and is not suitable for residential or commercial expansion in terms of its existing floor layout and will be demolished and rebuilt.
However, he said, trading would not be interrupted as plans are in place for the continuation of business.
The planned buildings will share a parking area.
“One of the unique features is the drive-through concept – a first in the country. The pharmacy will operate like any other retail facility during day hours. After 9pm, the drivethrough will open.
The plan will be submitted to the council within a fortnight, he said.
Ward 22 councillor Johanna Marplow said she has not seen the plan yet.
Mayco member for Area Central Siyabulela Mamkeli said an application for subdivision of the land into three portions and approval of the site development plan was approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal in May last year, but no building plans have been submitted as yet.