Mall for Ezibeleni
High hopes that R50-million centre will be a reality
PLANS for a commercial centre, valued at R50-million, in Ezibeleni continue to gain momentum.
Developer Vildev Holdings (Pty) Ltd has been promoting the construction of the centre, which will provide secure shopping and related retail and office space, in the area.
Ian van Dyk of Vildev said this week, “We have, for some time, explored opportunities to develop a commercial centre in Ezibeleni about 8km from the CBD of Queenstown.”
It is anticipated that the centre will house government offices, commercial outlets and service centres including medical facilities, a pharmacy, attorneys’ offices, a computer school and banking facilities.
“As anchor tenants Boxer and Total SA have provided letters of intent with provision being made for a tyre and fitment centre.”
He said the extent of development would comprise about 6500m².
Preliminary discussions had been held with stakeholders such as the Lukhanji Municipality, Chris Hani District Municipality, local business forums and the taxi industry with an enthusiastic response by the community.
Amendments had been made to the original layout plans to allow for the construction of a possible double storey building with offices and/or residential units on the first floor.
Van Dyk said the availability of key public and private sector services would develop a gradual change in spending patterns as opposed to the current trend of all shopping being done in Queenstown.
“The entire area is expected to be activated with the residential market being positively influenced.”
Pending compliance, the Department of Trade and Industry may be approached for the development, “particularly if such initiative effectively supports government’s policy initiatives”.
Van Dyk said the possibility of a commercial centre in Ezibeleni could pose the ideal opportunity to aggressively roll out the rural retail development while addressing unhealthy congestion in Queenstown.
A proposed taxi/bus rank would be the natural progression from the mixed retail/office development while the property market would be revived as prices would be influenced by “the gradual and sustainable turnaround of the township economy”.
Such development could also contribute positively to a reduction in social ills brought about by lack of employment opportunities.
Investment by the local government sector in infrastructure in Ezibeleni had resulted in the developers being advised that there was sufficient capacity in the area to provide bulk services including electricity and water to allow the implementation of the project.
Businesses interested in tenure or acquiring rental space at the proposed centre can contact him on 083-455-8709 or email ivanvandyk@telkomsa.net
The design development plans, rental space and rates are available for perusal.