Inside E Cape's largest shopping paradise

The R1.6 billion Hemingway's Mall, built by the Billion Group, remains on track for its scheduled opening on 24 September 2009.

Eastern Cape shoppers can look forward to more trendy national brands moving into the giant centre, which has been described as the biggest in the province.

The Daily Dispatch got a sneak preview of what's to come at the mall, which extends 800m from end to end. Close to 3000 parking bays will be available at the mall, which will also boast six movie theatres.

Most of the centre has already been tiled and all escalators and passenger lifts have been installed. Both Woolworths and Edgars have taken “beneficial occupation” of their stores, which means the Billion Group has completed its work and it is now up to the retailers to add the finishing touches inside.

Billion spokesperson Gerna van Rooyen said the mall covers 73,000m², with 5300m² of that space occupied by a “flagship” Woolworths, which is the biggest store in the mall. Pick n Pay, which is 4952m² in size, is the second biggest tenant.

While Vincent Park, a few kilometres from Hemingway's, also has both these stores as tenants, Van Rooyen said there was a difference. “These are flagship stores with much wider variety, ranges and merchandise. They (have) ... a completely new concept. It's a whole different market,” she said.

Shoppers will be greeted with stores like Cardies, Bell Jewellers, Pearl and Diamond and a Carrol Boyes store.

The upper level will link directly to the casino and will boast a food court, restaurants and an amphitheatre.

Looking out from the restaurants, patrons will see water features and displays of the latest cars on the market.

Eateries such as Capello's, Fashion TV, Primi Piatti, Spur and Nandos will also feature at the mall, which in total will boast 220 tenants.

Fashion lovers will get a taste of Hilton Weiner, Vertigo, Urban, Nine West, Guess and Due South stores. To date, 85% of the shops have been leased.

Van Rooyen said that despite the recession, business would boom at the mall as studies showed that regional malls still did well despite recessions.

“And the concept of a regional mall is new in East London. There is more security so your offering in the mall is much higher,” she said.

Source: Daily Dispatch

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