VUYO MKIZE
CONSTRUCTION of the newest shopping centre in Soweto is on schedule to meet its October 25 opening day deadline.
This is according to Jonathan Tagg, national manager of Retail Network Services, the company responsible for the leasing of the retail space at the new Diepkloof Square on Immink Road.
The new 18 000m2 shopping centre is being developed by McCormick Property Development and the Shanduka group, after leasing the land from the Johannesburg Property Company.
“In terms of construction, the square is about 30 percent complete,” Tagg said yesterday.
“We are looking at a market that is across the board. From upscale, affluent consumers to those from a lower-income bracket, there is something at the new square for everyone.”
According to Tagg, a large majority of retail space has already been filled by mostly retail stores and fast-food outlets.
“We have the Pick n Pay, which will be the anchor of the square, and are also bringing in the first ever Food Lover’s Market to Soweto,” he added.
While Boston Media House had approached the retail company for space, Tagg was reluctant to confirm details on whether there would be a campus or office space for the media house.
“We are still in negotiations with Boston, but nothing has been finalised yet. We are, however, looking at having about 24 retail shops and restaurants such as McDonald’s, KFC, Black Steer and so on. We are also under negotiations to secure an upmarket restaurant, which could also be a jazz venue,” Tagg continued.
The square will have Nedbank, Standard Bank and Capitec branches.
“The rest is mainly for convenience, such as an optometrist and a medical centre at the lower level of the square.
“We are also looking for a hair salon interested in getting space at the square as well as a flame-grill outlet,” Tagg said.
In terms of job creation, Tagg noted that at least 300 temporary jobs have been created for the construction of the square and around the same amount will be employed at the retail stores and restaurants.