Maritzburg Sun (South Africa)

A new chapter for Greater Edendale Mall

- Ntombizeth­u Ngcobo

The first phase of the new Greater Edendale Mall is set to be brought to life around August.

After last July’s devastatio­n, that left the Edendale community without their basic services and easy access to necessitie­s, the rebuilding is focused on prioritisi­ng essential services for the community.

The opening of the mall will be done in three phases, with the first phase dedicated to providing medical care and food to the public.

“Covid -19 highlighte­d the community’s need for decent healthcare. Phase one is the area that was least damaged. It is nice to have a second chance at redevelopi­ng this one here at Edendale. A big portion of what we do is supporting local people. We have exciting new clients coming into the first phase. There is a lot of shifting and shuffling happening as some tenants need a lot of space,” said Exemplar retail CEO Jason McCormick.

He added that they have enough tenants for the first phase of rebuilding.

He named food and healthcare facilities as two important needs to deliver to the community as soon as possible.

“We recently had a meeting with the community and things are working well and will be ramping up from here going forward. We are working with the local ward committee, and through their office we have the Community

Liaison Officer (CLO).

We are building better relationsh­ips with our communitie­s to make sure that there will be more local ownership,” he added.

They hope to open the second phase, focusing more on homecare, by this December. Phase three which will focus on fashion, and will be opened around Easter next year.

 ?? ?? The view of the Greater Edendale Mall.
The view of the Greater Edendale Mall.

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