Middleburg Mall improves job opportunities

The 34 000 sqm Middelburg Mall, a R450 million investment in the town, is on track for completion in March 2012 having started in November 2010. A proactive partnership between the developers and the Steve Tshwete local municipality is ensuring that the impact of the Mall on the surrounding region, its economy and its communities is maximised. In an innovative move, the municipality has appointed two dedicated community liaison officers to the project, with a view to optimising local job creation, sourcing local skills and bringing local suppliers on board.

9 Dec 2010

"We're very aware of the positive role that Middelburg Mall will play in the local economy," says Patrick Flanagan of developers and investors Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment. "Our collaboration with the local municipality is making sure that every opportunity is tapped."

Flanagan points to creating jobs and the transfer of skills during the construction phase. The mall will also generate hundreds of permanent sustainable jobs for the Middleburg community. "It will also retain local consumer spend, which is currently leaking into other surrounding areas," he adds.

Flanagan & Gerard are driving the development along with the Moolman Group. Middelburg Mall is being carefully designed for future expansion, to meet the needs of the growing consumer market.

"We've planned to accommodate future expansion if demand continues to grow," explains Jannie Moolman of the Moolman Group. "This could result in the mall ultimately expanding to more than 60000 sqm." This will see it retaining its function as the town's regional shopping centre.