The 26,000m2 Edendale Mega City shopping centre is set to become the first centre of its size and offering to cater for the area, which is largely untapped and unserviced by retail.
 
Scheduled for completion in September 2011, the R250 million project will bring much needed retail services, including leading national tenants, exciting line shops, and a substantial food court to the area. It will also include a modern banking mall and a custom-built taxi facility.
 
The project is being driven by leading property development expertise in a BEE joint venture between well known local property developer, Rob Alexander of Ducatus Properties and Tebogo  Mogashoa of Tebfin Developments, the developer of Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Joburg’s Alexandra Township.
 
The duo have also teamed up with local KZN developers and project managers, G5 & Mark 11-Development Management Pty Ltd, the successful developers of Umlazi Mega City and Philani Mall both located in Umlazi on the outskirts of Durban.
 
Tebogo Mogashoa, Chairman of Tebfin Developments explains that Edendale Mega City is based on an excellent blueprint that has ably delivered a successful centre and transport hub, benefitting both community members and the many tenant retailers.
 
The ground works of Edendale Mega City are nearing completion and, explains Development and Project Manager for MC Props Mark Johnson, the services phase is next.
 
“Already, the project has created a number of jobs for members of the immediate community. This will no doubt boost job creation for the residents as the project gathers momentum,” says Johnson.
 
In order to ensure that the community workforce is utilised where possible, a full time community liaison officer has been appointed by the local council and all labour, including sub-contractors are sourced through this representative. Where necessary skills are not available in the community, these are obtained from further afield.
 
The same sourcing principles apply to material procurement. Johnson says, “Our first choice is to find suitable materials locally, in order to support the community. As retailers sign up as tenants of Edendale Mega City, they too will be requested and empowered to procure labour from the community.”
 
An important part of Edendale Mega City’s offering for the community is a brand new taxi rank which forms part of the centre. Here, the developers have negotiated and signed a formal agreement with the local Taxi association.
 
This agreement carefully details how the 26,000m2 rank will meet the needs of taxi commuters. Johnson adds: “The new rank will both benefit Edendale Mega City with its tens of thousands of commuters, and contribute significantly to Pietermaritzburg’s transport infrastructure.”
 
The combination of the taxi and retail facilities will serve to easily meet the everyday needs of the community in a pleasant, convenient and accessible shopping environment.
 
Marcus Marchant, of Mark II Projects, says, “Retailers are showing good interest in the new shopping centre, with signed offers already received from national retailers Spar, Cashbuild, Cambridge, Boxer, as well as negotiations well under way with leading banks, a significant number fashion brands, and numerous fast food outlets and furniture shops”.
 
Mogashoa is excited about the prospect of bringing retail to the people of Edendale. “This development will see quality retail with trusted brands and products, in a superb environment.
 
The community deserves the convenience this affords. Edendale Mega City means they won’t have to travel long distances to get choice and popular brands they want which will serve to retain spend in the local economy.”
 
Edendale Mega City will also catalyse opportunities for other businesses around the centre, bringing with it exciting positive benefits all-round for the local economy. ”
Publisher: eProp
Source: EMC