THE LENOX , CAPE TOWN
Well-known historic Cape Town landmark , The Lenox , is to be transformed into an artist residency and boutique hotel . This groundbreaking initiative marks a pivotal movement in South Africa ’ s cultural landscape as it becomes France ’ s first artist residency established in a public-private partnership model . It will also create a unique boutique hotel , operated and managed by Newmark Hotels & Reserves .
This announcement follows the signing of an official letter of commitment to solidify development plans between The French Ambassador to South Africa , Lesotho and Malawi , his Excellency David Martinon and Memorist ’ s Director of Corporate Development , Sophie Taïeb . Memorist , a division of MOBILITAS , is a preservation and heritage valorisation company .
Situated in the central Cape Town suburb of Gardens , The Lenox is one of the oldest buildings in the area dating back to 1897 . It was originally designed as a hotel and will now be meticulously restored by Memorist into an upscale luxury , 47-room boutique property . Scheduled to open in 2026 , the hotel will offer a restaurant and conference facilities . The existing parking lot will be restored as a peaceful garden .
An entire floor of the hotel will be customised into a permanent art residence . This will draw talent from South Africa , the African continent and France and will provide a creative haven for up to nine artists annually . It ’ s location , in the heart of the cultural centre of Cape Town , a short walk from the Iziko South African National Gallery and other leading galleries and studios , will also ensure that the artists feel connected and are fully immersed during their residencies . Hotel guests will have the opportunity to interact with the artists and visit their studios . The hotel will also display a changing array of original art .
“ Newmark prides itself on creating bespoke hospitality experiences . We were drawn to this proposition for the value that it will add to our portfolio . We earmarked The Lenox as a possible future site a decade ago and are excited about the potential that this project poses ,” says New Business Developer for Newmark Hotels & Reserves , Carl Haller .
MBHASHE MALL , IDUTYWA , EASTERN CAPE
Exemplar REITail has broken ground on Mbhashe Mall . The commencement of the project cements their strategic expansion in the region with Lusiki Plaza , KwaBhaca Mall and Bizana Walk already well-established retail developments in the province . Rural retail development experts , McCormick Property Development ( MPD ), will be the developers on the project .
Work on site officially got underway in late October with contractors beginning with bulk earthworks . A ceremonial sod turning was held with delegates from the Idutywa Town Council , municipal officials and the Mayor all in attendance . “ As we wrap up 2023 , it is exciting to finally get started on another incredible opportunity in the Eastern Cape ,” explains
CEO of Exemplar , Jason McCormick . “ We believe in the retail possibilities within the province and in Idutywa in particular , as it serves as a regional trading hub for the entire Mbhashe region of the Eastern Cape .
“ We anticipate serving communities up to 60km away and the development gives us a great opportunity to spread our # ChangeforGood impact across some of the most rural communities in the country .” Developed in partnership with local entrepreneur , Mr Livingstone Nogoduka , Mbhashe Mall will be a single-level , double-anchored enclosed mall , with its first phase spanning almost 19,000m 2 .
The project is expected to be complete in just over a year and will include the signature local flair that has become synonymous with developments done by MPD . Mbhashe Mall is the 83rd development by the company .
Since 1983 , MPD has developed award-winning malls across five provinces . Innovative concepts such as the Kasi CoLAB , a township design entrepreneurship incubator that is in both Mamelodi Square and the Mall of Thembisa , the development of market gardens and the inclusion of sports facilities are all key elements of MPD developments .
Combined with various community-centred initiatives , familyorientated entertainment and ensuring each development has a unique local feel , both Exemplar and MPD ’ s legacy of uplifting , empowering and changing , for good , while delivering worldclass retail developments , remains solid .
16 Project Watch