In line with this development comes the upgrading of its shopping heart with the construction of Christian's Village centre, due to open on October 27.

The 7000m² centre, anchored by Pick 'n Pay, is already being mooted as having a major effect on commercial life around Hillcrest. Retail space within the R57m centre has been fully let, accommodating 25 shops and parking for more than 400 cars.

A taxi rank incorporating stalls for informal traders is being developed at the back of the centre on behalf of the municipality.

Designed to accommodate taxis on the Inanda Road route, the facility will have formal lanes and a bus drop-off zone.

Tim Kemp, development manager of property developer Abland, says the complex anchors the Old Main Road and Inanda Road intersection as Hillcrest's commercial heart. A Shoprite Checkers centre opens across the road next year, while Richden's Spar on a third corner and Woolworths on the fourth side guarantees four major retailers at one intersection.

Kemp says the new centre will be welcome as residents hope the competition will lead to better prices.

"The development will have a positive impact on the surrounding area. Pick 'n Pay was very selective about who they wanted in the centre," Kemp says.

Letting agent Broll Retail Projects spokesman Sharon Hendry says the upmarket centre will focus on convenience stores and interior décor. Demand for retail space has exceeded supply.

Pick 'n Pay will occupy about 3000m², and will incorporate a bottle store and a clothing shop. Other tenants include Spec Savers, Health, Mugg & Bean, Vodacom, Photo World, Telkom, Harvey World Travel and Absa.

There will also be an office space component that Hendry hopes to use for medical service companies.