Due to the success of the Spar at the Mutsindo Mall in Thohoyandou, the Spar group realized the need to expand in the Limpopo/Elim area. "The same objectives will apply in Elim as in Thohoyandou," said the developers. "The primary goal is to uplift the surrounding community, support local farmers, create jobs and bring a first-class shopping experience to the doorstep of the community at Elim."
The Spar group identified various sites for a shopping centre development in Elim and approached Kerr Developments to develop the centre. Kerr Developments in turn contacted The Property Practice, to lease and manage the centre, due to their depth of experience in retail development. They have built up strong relations with national tenants through the years and are therefore well-equipped to lease the centre successfully. It is expected that the centre will have a 90% national tenancy and 10% local tenancy. Spar will anchor the centre and the group has also secured premises for Build-It, their supplier of hardware and building material, and Tops, their liquor outlet.
According to a spokesperson for the developers, the site area is 2,8018 ha and the following national tenants have expressed interest in the centre in writing: First National Bank, Standard Bank, PEP Stores, Dunn?s and Jet Stores. The South African Post Office, Woolworths, Diskom, Spec Savers, the JD Group, KFC, Wimpy, King Pie and many others have also expressed keen interest in utilizing the centre.
A director of Kerr Development, Mr Len Sloan, plans to open the 12 000 m² Hubyeni Shopping Centre for occupation in October 2006.
The developers said that the community will be involved in the project, as the development will create about 700 temporary and 400 permanent job opportunities. At the heart of the centre will be the Hubyeni (gathering place), an amphitheatre overlooking the mountains, from where music performances and presentations will take place, as well as live soccer matches be broadcast.
The centre will consist of 36 stores of various sizes. A formal taxi rank, with a capacity for 22 standing taxis, has been provided for with ablution facilities and 50 permanent hawker stalls. These stalls will provide hawkers with the safety of being able to lock up their goods securely at the end of the day.
The developer has an interest in the art works of local artists and has provided a facility to allow these artists the opportunity of showcasing their art for all to see. The finishes throughout the centre have been influenced by local culture and customs, thus tiles produced by a local potter will be used to add to the authenticity of the centre.
At this stage, the community is extremely excited with the proposed development. On Sunday (September 11), a resolution was passed by the Chief, elders and local authority, witnessed by the Department of Land Affairs, the transfer of land.
Zoutnet
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge
