Despite initial controversy over the approval of the Upper Deck shopping mall and suites in Plettenberg Bay last year, the new centre at Dolphin's Point was last week officially launched by Bitou mayor Lulama Mvimbi.

The R60-million development has been built on the last open green space in the centre of town.

Developer Ara Manuelian was praised for complying with municipal requirements. Mvimbi said the municipality had been "difficult" regarding many aspects of the design and building of the mall, but the developer had complied fully.

"The developers also showed great social responsibility in upgrading a township creche and contributed financially to enable the upgrading of the southern end of Main Street.

"Upper Deck is the realisation of the municipality's dream to take Plettenberg Bay to the next level through its CBD renewal programme and to give it the recognition it deserves as one of the country's premier destinations.

"It is about time that residents and visitors alike see this important transformation which will eventually reinforce our tourism and economic potential," he said.

The Upper Deck boasts eight penthouse suites, three art galleries, five unique eateries, tourist destination booking offices, and several chic retail shops.

All the penthouses - ranging in price from R2,5-million to R4,9- million - were sold within the first month of being advertised

Criticised as a "spaceship" development that was "inappropriate", the Upper Deck hit headlines last May and June after the town's aesthetics committee grudgingly approved plans.

Hilton Davies, the ratepayers' association's representative, said at the time that plans should have been submitted to the aesthetics committee at the concept stage before substantial investments in time and money had taken place.

Eastern Province Herald