New retail development in Mpumalanga

Official sod turning ceremony for Burgersfort Mall. (L -R): David Lewis and Saul Visser of Resilient Property Income Fund.

The mall is situated on the main intersection of the R37, which runs between Polokwane and Burgersfort and the R555, which links Steelport to Burgersfort. The mall's location makes it accessible for both the local motorised- and pedestrian shoppers as well as those from neighbouring Steelport and surrounding areas. Getting to Burgersfort Mall is made even more convenient through the centre's direct access off the R37 and its close proximity to the CBD and main taxi rank.

Public transport facilities will also be provided at the centre and improvements to the surrounding roads will be an integrated part of the development.

The first phase of this comprehensive and convenient shopping centre will comprise some 40 000 sqm, with expansion potential of up to 75 000 sqm. It is to be anchored by Edgars, Game and Shoprite and will feature a well-balanced mix of South Africa's favourite retailers.

Johann Kriek, executive director of Resilient, explains that the site was acquired in 2007 for the development of a regional shopping centre after Burgersfort was identified as one of the major growth nodes in the country. He reports that the development has received robust support from the local council.

Artist's perspective of Burgersfort Mall.

click to enlarge

"The enclosed Burgersfort Mall will provide a boost to the local economy by retaining local consumer spend in Burgersfort," points out Kriek. This will mitigate the current consumer spend outflows the town is experiencing due to the lack of retail offering.

Set to meet the currently underserviced needs of local consumers, the mall has also enjoyed a positive reception from retailers wishing to be closer to their customers in the region, in a top shopping environment. For the first time, shopping will be available to the residents from the town and surrounds at a level not previously experienced in the region.

The company's investments include, amongst others, shopping centres in Mussina, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou, Mokopane, Nelspruit and Polokwane. It is also the major owner and co-developer of the recently opened Mall of the North shopping centre, which is currently the largest centre in the northern part of the country.

Through its combined investments in these provinces alone, the company has been instrumental in creating thousands of jobs and has become a substantial contributor to the local economies.