Ground has been broken for the construction of the R250 million Watergate Centre, which is due to open its doors in November.
The centre, opposite the new Watergate housing development off AZ Berman Drive, is being punted as one-stop shop for residents and will include medical suites, offices, a service station and major retailers.
Luigi Giuricich, director of S.Giuricich Holdings, an investor in the complex, said the first phase, including land and construction is valued at R230 million and covers 20 000 square metres. Seventy percent of the space has already been leased to tenants including Shoprite, Clicks, Pep Stores, Virgin Red gym, Hungry Lion, a halaal Spur, KFC, Steers and Debonairs.
“It will be a neighbourhood shopping centre serving the needs of the community,” he said.
Mr Giuricich said 300 employment opportunities will be available once the doors open, including for security guards, cleaners, retail and shop assistants.
“It will be an eco-friendly, solar-powered and low water consumption site,” he said.
“We would like people from the area to have premises here and allow them to have shops as well,” said Mr Giuricich.
The centre borders Watergate housing development, which will see the building of 1 000 houses.