Lephalale (formerly Ellisras) in Limpopo is set to get a landmark new R600m regional shopping centre which is scheduled to open in September 2011.
The shopping centre will be developed on a 12 ha site in Onverwacht in the Greater Lephalale area. In terms of the Lephalale Integrated Development Plan, it forms part of the town centre itself.
The development includes substantial 42,000sqm shopping centre, of which the R400m first phase will comprise between 32,000sqm and 35,000sqm – set to be the foremost shopping destination in the area which will retain its relevance as the market grows.
In a linked project, developers also plan to build a 17,000sqm office park on the 2,8 ha site adjacent to the shopping centre, to serve businesses in the area.
The shopping centre will be the definitive retail centre serving Lephalale. Leasing of the centre is already underway.
"Lephalale is at the centre of a very exciting area that has shown tremendous growth which is geared to continue. Retail is an important part of any community and, as Lephalale's economy evolves, it is important to have retail which serves its needs, and benefits the community on multiple levels," says Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group.
Lephalale is the biggest municipality in the Limpopo Province, with a geographical size of some 19,605 square kilometres. This prosperous town serves as both a regional centre and a gateway to Botswana.
Underpinning the area's economic growth are a diversity of industries, substantial projects and Lephalale's proximity to Botswana, with the town being only some 70km from the nearest border post to this coal-rich neighbour.
"We are confident that the investment in this exciting new shopping centre will also make a strong positive contribution to the area's prosperity by both serving and furthering the economy of Lephalale," says Henry Bendeman of Uniqon Wonings.
Construction on the Lephalale Shopping Centre is expected to begin construction in mid-2010.
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