The proposed R50-million Summerstrand shopping complex development by former Port Elizabeth city councillor Sicelo Kani will begin only when an alternative site has been found for the municipal depot which now occupies the land.

Last month the metro council sold Siyalanda, the company of which Kani and Phoenix Hotel owner Warwick Ofsowitz are directors, a small piece of land adjoining their proposed development.

This is to be used as a service lane.

The development will comprise retail shops, entertainment houses, restaurants, curio shops and other shops. It will be next to the Boardwalk complex.

Kani said he and Ofsowitz were now looking for a site to which the municipal depot could be moved.

"There are minor issues which have to be resolved before construction starts. I cannot say exactly when this will be, but it?s soon," Kani said.

Siyalanda was embroiled in a controversy three years ago when it was sold prime municipal land at a bargain "out of hand" deal.

Municipal spokesman Roland Williams said yesterday Siyalanda first had to find a site satisfactory to the council for the depot?s relocation.

"Presently discussions are going on between Mr Kani and the council on the construction of the depot. The council must be satisfied by the site and the size," Williams said.

The depot belongs to the metro council?s recreation and cultural services department and is used by beachfront cleaners for storing their equipment.

Williams hinted that it might be moved to behind the Beach Office.

Eastern Province Herald