Mayfield Square officially opens

Launched by Investec Property, the 25,000m2 shopping centre, which is substantially larger than any other retail offering in the area, will service the greater Daveyton and Etwatwa region, linking national retailers to a community of approximately 450,000 people. Anchored by retail giants Pick n Pay and Shoprite, other big name tenants include the Edcon Group, Truworths Group, Foschini Group, Ackermans, Pep, Morkels, Clicks, Barnetts and Ellerines, with Nedbank and Capitec Bank also represented.

Speaking at the opening, Darryl Mayers, head of Investec Property's retail division, said, "This is a significant addition to our retail portfolio and a testament to our experience in retail development and our strong relationship with retailers. The new centre is ideally located to service the Daveyton and surrounding communities."

L-R: Ward Councillor Makgopa Kgopa, MMC for City Planning and Economic Development MMC Bennett Nikani, Darryl Mayers - Investec Property, and Keith Batchelor - Investec Property.

Investec Property broke ground at the site in February 2013. From the outset, opportunities for skills development and job creation were identified for people living in nearby communities. Local sub-contractors were used during the construction phase, while local aspirant painters received training and certificates. The centre will make use of local service providers to provide security, cleaning services as well as waste removal. Investec Property was involved in the funding of local community initiatives during the construction phase.

"We have worked closely with the local community throughout, which involved hiring 398 people on a contractual basis to assist with the construction of the shopping centre. In addition to the injection of over R5.1 million of wages paid into the local community during the development phase, the opening of Mayfield Square will create between 450 and 500 permanent jobs. That is an achievement of which we can all be proud," said Mayers.