Approval for the development of a modern regional shopping mall in George, servicing the entire Southern Cape Region, has finally been granted by the Provincial Administration of the Western Cape. The shopping complex will be developed by Garden Route Mall Investments. The shopping mall will match major upmarket shopping malls in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, boasting a host of national blue chip Retail Groups like Foschini, Truworths, Stuttafords and Mr Price .The anchor tenants will be Pick ‘n Pay, Woolworths and Edgars. A number of other exciting fashion stores will make their debut in the Southern Cape.

The need for a centre of this magnitude was highlighted by the support from the national retailers who all confirmed their participation in the development, based on retail shopping patterns and consumer needs and expectations. The population of George is growing and will reach 148 000 people by 2005. The entire region has experienced massive growth in the past two years leading to a residential and commercial property boom in George and the surrounding areas of Mossel Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay.

During peak season, the region is visited by tourists and day-trippers with over 100 000 people supporting the area. The developers of the Garden Route Mall will recognise the value of tourists who play a vital role in the economy of George and the entire region, and will seek to service their needs with a tourist information centre and other key tourist services, travel offices and rest rooms. There will be adequate parking for 2100 cars and facilities for tour buses.

Situated at the confluence of the N2 and Knysna Roads, the Mall’s location is ideal for both ease of access and visibility. Designed with convenience in mind, the Mall will feature three major entrances to the retail core. Inside, a lavish entertainment area with food courts and leisure elements will be grouped to function as a unit.

The architecture has been carefully considered to reflect the vernacular of the area and the three elements which are central to the Garden Route - water, stone and wood - are featured in inspired ways as a theme throughout. The landscaped gardens will represent the indigenous flora and fauna of the region.

An exciting development of this magnitude will breathe life into existing business infrastructure of George, consolidating the buying power of the Southern Cape region, and establishing George as the commercial hub of the Garden Route. The development will further provide much needed employment opportunities for the local labour force and the presently unemployed.

"George is the perfect candidate for a regional centre, and the Mall will serve the hinterland of the entire Southern Cape," says Tibo Terblanche, Director of Garden Route Mall Investments. "It will add value to thousands of families in the area who would otherwise have to travel far to get the retail variety they deserve." The opening is scheduled for April 2005.