KUNJANI MALL , KNYSNA
National property developers Latitude Properties , in joint venture with EPCM Holdings , a global oil and gas engineering and product development firm , are set to open a new 4,500m 2 shopping mall in Concordia , Knysna , says CEO and retail developer Harry Pretorius . Phase 1 of the development will bring shopping convenience to this underserviced area , while Phase 2 will add a further retail component together with a strong focus on quality affordable housing and community-centric amenities such as a co-working space , day-clinic , action-soccer fields as well as house a local early childhood development centre ( ECD ). Kunjani Mall Concordia will change the way people shop , eat , live , and work .
Major national retailers Shoprite , Ackermans and Pep have confirmed tenancy in Phase 1 of the project . The residents of the catchment area who travel mostly by foot into Knysna for higher order goods will now have a better shopping experience on their doorstep .
Pretorius explains : “ We are extremely excited about our new multi-functional Kunjani concept developments . By creating more equitable developments with more cohesive , inclusive spaces , we are making townships better places for residents . The Kunjani Concordia development in Knysna will play a key role in enhancing the neighbourhood fabric and importantly , contribute to job creation . While it is estimated that at least 200 builders and labourers will be involved in the construction of the development , it will also yield at least 100 permanent jobs on completion .”
He continues , “ We have also made allowance to support informal traders and smaller retailers with the space , so our
approach is very much a collaborative one that will stimulate the entire area and have a positive social impact .”
Despite the pandemic having a devastating effect on retailers , retail in ‘ township ’ areas has recovered more quickly , as shoppers in outlying areas do not utilise online shopping much and buy what they need much more frequently than urban dwellers .
Developer : Latitude Property Developments Construction : EPCM Holdings Funding Partner : Walters Properties Project Architect : ADP Architects Principal Agent & Quantity Surveyor : CSQS Civil Services Engineering : EPCM Consulting Electrical Engineer : EPCM Consulting Structural Engineer : Axiom Consulting Engineers Fire Engineer : EPCM Consulting Tenant Coordinator : Designcraft
Project Watch 23