By Bianca Capazorio

Construction is under way on a R330-million shopping centre on the main access route to Jeffreys Bay.

The 30 000m2 Fountains Mall is being developed by a consortium comprising Atterbury Property, Retail Africa, Prosperito, Orange Properties and Vuwa.

Located off the N2, the mall will comprise around 120 shops with parking for 2 400 vehicles. The opening is scheduled for October 2008.

National retailers constitute 80% of the overall tenant mix.

Anchor tenants will include Woolworths, Pick 'n Pay, Edgars and Game.

Other national retailers include Truworths, Foschini, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sport, Identity, Cape Union Mart, Ackermans, Ackermans Home Comforts, Pep, Clicks, Milady's, Galaxy, Legit, Exclusive Books, CNA, Billabong and Sportscene.

"We are extremely excited about the Fountains Mall," said Etienne Eygenberger of Retail Africa.

"Having just successfully completed the Worcester Mall which draws on a similar expanse of area to that of Fountains, we are confident that our successes will be comparable," said Prosperito executive Gerhardt Jooste.

"For many years Jeffreys Bay was ignored, but with the development of the extensive Fountains Estate and the Jubilee Jack Nicklaus-designed golf estate, this area has recently received attention and interest."

Both developments are alongside the Fountains Mall. The Jeffreys Bay area will benefit from increased job creation as the developers are committed to working with local contractors and labourers.

An estimated 435 permanent jobs are expected to be created on completion.