Mall planned for Mthatha to boost local economy

The proposed shopping mall is being considered after a development application was made for the construction of a sprawling upmarket centre on the outskirts of the city.

Mthatha residents have welcomed the news as the two-storey mall is expected to be a hub of entertainment and shopping, boasting more than 50 retail stores, including a Nu-Metro cinema.

National clothing retailers like the Edcon Group, Truworths, Mr Price and Incredible Connection are listed as tenants in the 12-page proposal.

According to the document, Shoprite, Game or Checkers could be the anchor tenant on the five hectares of land situated on the corner of the N2 heading to Durban.

Developer Pieter van der Westhuizen of Mainsail Trading said yesterday the company hoped construction would start before December.

The Devmark Property Group is the holding company for Mainsail Trading, which is responsible for the development of properties across the country.

"We have been looking at developing in Mthatha for some time and we are excited the project is getting off the ground," he said.

The developer said there was a shortage of convenient retail facilities within Mthatha.

"It will provide more options for shoppers including residents, monthly shoppers and travellers. The centre will assist to some degree in relieving the congestion in Mthatha's CBD," he said.

The proposed application for the shopping mall was made in terms of the Development Facilitation Act.

In the application to the local government department in January, the proposal states the position of the site has "great potential for development" and is ideal for the type of suburban shopping centre proposed.

The centre will create short-term employment during the building phase, while long-term employment will be created for maintenance and retail staff.

Source: Daily Dispatch