Ice rink for R1.7-billion Bay West Mall in PE

Briefing media on site on 26 June 2013, project manager Chris Beech said the project was progressing magnificently with principal developer Murray & Roberts on track to complete the mall's construction in March 2015. "Negotiations are well advanced to include the 2500m² ice rink."

According to project principal agent, John Townsend, blasting of the rocky site would continue for another six weeks, readying the area for construction, which will see five 30 m tall construction cranes brought in especially. Already the development site can be seen from the N2 freeway, with the mall set to overlook Port Elizabeth's Sherwood, Kunune Park and Rowallan Park suburbs.

Billion Group project executive, Roy Lighton said plans for the development of a much-needed modern road network in the area were also progressing well. The deadline for the SA National Road Agency's (SANRAL) call for tenders to develop the R250-million road network in the city's western suburbs - including the sought-after Redhouse-Chelsea arterial road, which will bypass the mall - is 1 July 2013.

"The development is being constructed in an environmentally sensitive area that includes a number of endangered plant species endemic to the area. The contract will have two environmental control officers whose responsibility it will be to ensure the minimum negative impact of the construction on the environment. The more sensitive areas will be fenced off completely to prevent any encroachment into the areas," said Michael Kaiser, SANRAL Southern Regions construction manager.