Soweto gets retail, entertainment at City development
On the site of the current cooling towers, Soweto City is scheduled to arise, beginning with the City Centre set to start in September 2011. Described as a convenience offering, this is already 70% let. Approaching 65,000sqm, the planned development is set to transform the historical area into a retail and entertainment hub.
With a current structure standing at 30m, the development will enjoy high visibility from passing traffic and is perfectly positioned to become a shopping destination for both local and international shoppers.
The next phase, City Lights, will involve turning one of the cooling towers into a 3300sqm expo and music centre to cater for concerts, live events, weddings and community gatherings. The two phases will be linked via an underground amusement coal bunker train, once used in the old tunnels. The final stage will be City Life, the regional shopping centre. The intention of the design team is to ensure that the design remains true to the original architecture. The insertion of a shopping experience within a heritage building of this prominence, will receive international acclaim.
Soweto City is set to create a destination for tourism, investment, business and job creation and will open in November 2012.
