The new R250-million Edendale Mega City is due to open in Pietermartizburg in spring next year but the developers are already investing in the natural environment where an adjacent wetland is being restored.
The 1,3 hectare natural wetland will serve as a buffer zone and will attenuate stormwater flows from the centre. It will also help with filtration of the rainwater. Water from the wetland flows into the Msunduzi River.
The project is being developed by Ducatus Properties and Tebfin Developments.
“The wetland will be an aesthetically pleasing component of the new mall where a palette of indigenous fauna and flora will feature in the wetlands alongside patches of reeds, small rock piles and shallow ponds,” says Susan Carter-Brown of Afzelia Environmental Consultant who undertook the environmental impact assessment for the developers.
“Another important conservation element is the safe relocation of the threatened indigenous plants that grow on the site. The plants growing there, which include the African Potato, were carefully lifted prior to the earthworks starting.
“These plants are being tended in a temporary nursery and will be replanted at the mall when the construction work is completed,” says Carter-Brown.
She points out that all appropriate areas within the development will be rehabilitated with indigenous vegetation sourced from Martizburg’s many nurseries. She says the site will be closely monitored to prevent invasive alien species from invading the wetlands,
Edendale Mega City will provide 26 000 sqm of retail space and Rob Alexander of Ducatus says that a number of the national franchises have reserved space at the new centre.
“The Mega City will provide much needed retail services to the city,” he says. “There is a substantial food court planned for the centre and a number of exciting specialist stores will also be a part of the centre,” he says.
The shopping centre is being developed on the site where Mason’s Mill once stood.
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