The new mall, providing an investment of R140 million, is owned and developed by Greater Atlantic Properties. The mall corrects a large undersupply of retail in this community, which is severely restricted in meeting its daily shopping needs within its own town. Research, undertaken by Fernridge Consulting, rates the site as excellent for retail development.
The mall will provide comprehensive, convenient shopping from 45 shops, supported by over 400 parking bays, 36 taxi bays and eight bus bays.
Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services, which is creating the retail dynamics for this project, explains that growth in Jozini CBD is restricted by the local topography. "The CBD has not been able to expand with the growing population due to space limits," he says.
"There are 42 000 households in the primary and secondary catchment area. This includes nearly 106 000 people living in the primary catchment area and some 134 000 people staying in the secondary market zone."
Its location and visibility contribute strongly to this rating. It is on the main road to the CBD, three kilometres from the town centre, next to a housing development in one of the most densely populated areas of the region.
Residents wishing to shop in the CBD literally face an uphill battle, many of them having to walk up the long, steep incline until they reach the town, at the top of a hill and when they get there, there is very little choice with the limited national retail offering in Jozini CBD.
This will change with the new mall, which will provide a 3000sqm Shoprite and a relevant mix of retailers including hardware, fashion, furniture and fast food.
"While accessing this market represents an excellent trading opportunity for retailers, local consumers will also enjoy big benefits from the mall," concludes Tagg.
Retail Network Services is full-service specialist retail leasing company, involved in Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Edendale Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Hemingways Mall in East London, Tsakane Mall in Springs and Jabulani Mall in Soweto.
