Work is now underway on the 12 500sqm first phase of the new Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre in Newcastle.
Work has begun on the new Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre in Newcastle, with the initial phase anticipated to start trading as early as October 2011.
The centre is located within the multi-billion rand Meadowlands Estate development in Madadeni with the first sub-phase of the residential component already completed. With its future proposed phases, Meadowlands Crossing, will ultimately measure over 30 000sqm of gross lettable area (GLA).
Kevin Buchler, MD of Kevin Buchler & Associates, project leader for Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre, says the total residential component will comprise of 3 800 affordable, fully-furnished housing units providing accommodation for over 15 000 people.
He says there is a strong demand for quality, reasonably priced homes in Newcastle and 470 sales have so far been concluded at an average price of between R270 600 and R389 000, with a number of new owners having already taken occupation.
“The homes are located within a 24-hour security estate which in addition to the shopping centre will include considerable amenities such as a day care centre, medical centre, primary school, community centre – over and above the existing hall, fuel service station and transport interchange/taxi rank.
“Also within the estate is the existing KR Rumelin stadium, which is to be upgraded to national status and will include a sporting academy and swimming pool,” says Buchler.
The development is situated on a new main route connecting Newcastle to Madadeni and Osizweni, and the new shopping centre is 9.5km from the Newcastle CBD.
Newcastle is the regional administrative centre and a key economic hub in the Amajuba District Municipality as well as being the third largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.
Other new developments in the area include a R700 million Agri Technopark, which is currently under construction, while Mittal Steel, one of the main economic drivers in the area, recently undertook upgrading and expansion projects representing an investment of over R400 million, and creating 3 600 jobs over the past few years.
The Madadeni/Osizweni CBDs are also undergoing Urban Renewal Programmes with construction of the new main route connecting Newcastle and Madadeni in progress. This will alleviate traffic congestion on the existing N11, being the only existing route at present.
“This new neighbourhood shopping centre is ideally positioned and highly appealing for retailers, being easily accessible to a high concentration of those living and working in the Newcastle area, including the immediate markets of Madadeni, Blaaubosch and Osizweni,” says Ivan Pachonick, director: retail consulting for JHI Properties, which has been appointed letting agents for Meadowlands Crossing shopping centre.
Actual construction of the shopping centre is expected to commence in August this year, with the initial phase anticipated to start trading as early as October 2011.
For more information contact Ivan Pachonick of JHI Properties via email.
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