Pietermaritzburg’s former ‘Mason’s Mill’ site is being transformed at a rate of 5,000 cubic metres of stone and sand a day, as earthwork activity swiftly excavates and prepares foundations for the Edendale Mega City development.

The 26,000sqm Edendale Mega City shopping centre is set to become the first centre of its size to cater for the area, which is largely untapped and unserviced by retail.

Scheduled for completion in September 2011, the R250m project will bring much-needed retail services, including leading national tenants, exciting line shops, and a substantial food court to the area. It will also include a modern banking mall and a custom-built taxi facility.

The project is being driven by leading property development expertise in a BEE joint venture between well known local property developer, Rob Alexander of Ducatus Properties and Tebogo Mogashoa of Tebfin Developments, the developer of Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Joburg’s Alexandra Township.

The duo have also teamed up with local KZN developers and project managers, G5 & Mark 11-Development Management Pty Ltd, the successful developers of Umlazi Mega City and Philani Mall, both located in Umlazi on the outskirts of Durban.

Tebogo Mogashoa, Chairman of Tebfin Developments, says Edendale Mega City is based on a blueprint that has ably delivered a successful centre and transport hub, benefiting both community members and the many tenant retailers.

The ground works of Edendale Mega City are nearing completion and, says development and project manager for MC Props Mark Johnson, the services phase is next.

“Already, the project has created a number of jobs for members of the immediate community. This will no doubt boost job creation for the residents as the project gathers momentum,” says Johnson.

An important part of Edendale Mega City’s offering for the community is a brand new taxi rank which forms part of the centre. Here, the developers have negotiated and signed a formal agreement with the local taxi association.

This agreement carefully details how the 26,000sqm rank will meet the needs of taxi commuters.

“Retailers are showing good interest in the new shopping centre, with signed offers already received from national retailers Spar, Cashbuild, Cambridge, Boxer, as well as negotiations well under way with leading banks, a significant number fashion brands, and numerous fast food outlets and furniture shops,” says Marcus Marchant, of Mark II Projects.

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