New mall in Umzimkhulu KZN to create 600 Jobs

The Umzimkhulu CBD is set for a major facelift as result of a R125 million development financed by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance for the construction of a retail centre that is set to be a hub for much needed economic activity in the area.

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The Umzimkhulu CBD in KwaZulu-Natal is set for a major facelift as result of a R125 million development financed by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance for the construction of a retail centre that is set to be a hub for much needed economic activity in the area.

More than just creating economic revival, the issue of unemployment will be addressed as 200 people will be employed during construction while the Mall will create 600 permanent jobs for members of the community.

Umzimkhulu CBD is situated in the prominent south-east corner of the R56, a provincial route linking Pietermaritzburg to the N2 leading to the Eastern Cape. It is the main commercial hub for the Umzimkhulu area and attracts many people from small surrounding towns as well a transit shoppers between KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape.

“Nedbank Corporate Property Finance is pleased to participate in the exciting economic revival taking place in the Umzimkhulu CBD. The new mall is well-located in the heart of Umzimkhulu and offers easy and convenient accessibility off the R56 and Main Street,” says Anand Joseph, Regional Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, KwaZulu Natal.

The site will also be supported by an onsite taxi rank which will enhance the appeal of the centre by being accessible to taxi commuters, while the existing main road network is being upgraded by the Council to facilitate vehicle access to the Mall. These improvements will enhance flow to the shops, making it convenient for consumers using public transport.

The Mall is anchored by large supermarket, Shoprite. Clothing retailers are represented by Mr. Price, Jet, Edgars Active, Exact, Markhams, Total Sports, Ideals, Ackermans, Pep, Power Fashion, Sheet Street, Franco Ceccato Fashion World to name but a few. OK Furnishers, Ellerines, Joshua Doore and Price n Pride will offer a wide range of furniture. Five fast food franchises will cater a variety of foodstuff, while smaller shops will offer everything from Medical, Dental and Optician’s services to internet, cellphone repairs and photographic shops.

Nedbank and African Bank are opening branches in Phase 1.

 “Phase 1 is over 90 % let and a second phase of between 5000 to 7000 m2 is expected to follow shortly to accommodate the shops and banks that were too late to secure space in Phase 1,” says Mike Graham of Graham Projects.

 “Negotiations are underway with several Government Departments who wish to consolidate Government services on one site as envisaged by the Government’s Thusong Centre concept. The Department of Home Affairs is already on site operating from 500 m2 of mobile offices until their new permanent offices become available,” he adds.

This is the fourth shopping centre that Nedbank Corporate Property Finance has financed for Graham Projects since 2003 when their association began with the development of the Esikhawini Mall near Richards Bay.

“Our longstanding relationship with Nedbank has positioned us to be in the forefront of developments in previously underserviced areas, thereby allowing us to play a role in the revitalisation of economic activity in the local economy,” says Graham.

Last year, President Jacob Zuma, in his state of the nation address, mentioned Umzimkhulu as a town in dire need of services and infrastructure. Since then National Government has been working closely with the Municipality to provide finance and support for programmes to uplift the town.

“Nedbank Corporate Property Finance is proud to be part of the transformation that is taking place in Umzimkhulu. We are cognisant of the fact that creating a prosperous economy cannot be the sole responsibility of our local or national governments, but the responsibility of every stakeholder in our country,” concludes Joseph.

The development is being undertaken by Thina Bantu Trading (Pty) Ltd, and project managed by Graham Projects. Construction of the first phase of 17000 m2 of GLA commenced in May 2012 with completion set for  April 2013.