/ 20 May 2003

Major mall planned for Alexandra

Alex residents can look forward to a spanking new shopping centre worth R250-million after a decision taken on Sunday at the Alexandra Chamber of Commerce’s (Alexcoc) annual general meeting.

Alexcoc president Joe Manana said this was by far the most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken in the poverty-stricken township.

”We have been working on this project for the past two and a half years. The decision by the AGM [annual general meeting] to approve the acquisition of land from the Johannesburg city council for the construction of the project is one of the last hurdles that needed to be overcome prior to the commencement of construction.”

The shopping centre, expected to have a major impact on Alexandra by bringing much needed trade and commerce to the township, is set to be built near the All Africa Games village next to the N3 North, within sight of Johannesburg’s current major centre, Sandton City.

”In addition to being a commercial hub, it will also make provision for cultural activities and arts and crafts in an integrated fashion,” said Manana.

The centre would initially provide around 32 000 square metres of lettable space.

”Rather than functioning just as a shopping centre, it will create a multicultural commercial zone where existing spaza shop owners and small traders will be integrated and absorbed into the centre.”

Manana added that a number of major chain stores have already expressed interest in letting space in the centre, and that the developers hope to attract as many people as possible to the mall; and Alexandra.

He added that as with all major shopping centres, visitors can expect security to be stringent, and that secure parking areas will be available.

Manana said there would be an opportunity for the people of Alexandra to become directly involved through the acquisition of equity in the project, and that the developers are looking for equity partners as well, to cover costs and contribute to the construction’s success. ‒ Sapa