King William's Town residents are excited over the prospect of shopping at a new mall, but the developers are not revealing how soon this will be.

Building is already under way at the site on Alexandra Road and an artist's impression of the finished mall reveals a value mart similar to that of East London's Retail Park ? an open parking area surrounded by a range of shops and banks.

Speaking on behalf of the unknown developer on Wednesday, property agent Sonnette Stander of Kei Commercial, would not reveal any details about the project but said an announcement would be made soon.

The development is one of several new retail property developments in Buffalo City.

Border-Kei Chamber of Business chairperson Les Holbrook said the region was "buzzing" as retail spending continued to increase.

The Bhisho-King William's Town area offered investors guaranteed levels of growth thanks to the positioning of the province's political hub, he said.

"Retailers are eager to climb in ? they are making a leap of confidence, but it is backed up by solid growth." However, he said there was a " level of sensitivity about disclosing investments that are not cast in concrete".

While four sets of property developers have proposed different sites for a regional mall in East London, Buffalo City has indicated that it may seek independent advice on which project to support.