Billion Group to develop R1.3bn BT Ngebs Mall in Mthatha

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Artist's impression of BT Ngebs Mall in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, the latest development project by Billion Group. Artist's impression of BT Ngebs Mall in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, the latest development project by Billion Group.

Billion Group on Thursday broke ground on its its latest development project, BT Ngebs Mall in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

The retail property sector remains the segment of the commercial property market that is experiencing the most activity, with expansions of existing shopping centres taking place mostly in outlying areas and former townships.

BT Ngebs Mall will include an investment of R60m to upgrade roads, sewerage, bulk electricity and other infrastructure while creating 2 500 job opportunities in the construction phase and up to 2 500 permanent jobs once it starts trading.

The mall, expected to commence trading in April 2015, forms part of Billion Group’s R16bn investment earmarked for the Eastern Cape over the next 10 year.

Billion founder and Executive Chairman, Sisa Ngebulana, who grew up in Mthatha, commented: “This development is very close to my heart – we are very excited about the opportunities it will unlock in the region.

“At a cost of R1.3 billion, BT Ngebs Mall will not only create thousands of sustainable jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities but our R60 million infrastructure investment will assist in addressing Mthatha’s road, electricity and other infrastructure challenges.”

At almost 60 000 m2, BT Ngebs Mall will be the largest shopping centre of its kind in the region and will service approximately 390 000 existing households in an area with a current retail undersupply of 477 341 m2. Located just off the freeway on Errol Springs Avenue, the mall offers easy access and egress as well as 1 975 parking bays.

For the first time, shoppers will have access to South Africa’s largest retailers and various food and fashion franchises under one roof, offering a wider choice and better value for patrons. Confirmed retailers include Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Clicks, Food Lovers Market, Woolworths, Foschini Emporium, Truworths, Edgars, Jet, @Home, Fabiani, Jenni Button, Hilton Weiner, Aca Joe, Urban, Vertigo, Soviet, Queue, Franco Ceccato, John Craig, the major banks, House & Home, various food franchises, The Hub, Identity, Totalsports, Sportscene, Exact, Pep, Studio 88, Legit and CNA.

Ngebulana expects that up to 2 500 job opportunities will be created during the construction phase, followed by an additional 2 300 to 2 500 permanent positions jointly through Billion Group and its tenants, once trading starts.

“The development will also create a number of entrepreneurial opportunities within the region, such as potential supply chain agreements, care and maintenance contracts and the provision of a retail platform within the mall for products and services,” Ngebulana concluded.

Mthatha, formerly Umtata, is the main town of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa.


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