The acquisition of Ballito Junction Shopping Centre by a joint venture (JV) between investment company Menlyn Maine and property developers Flanagan & Gerard Consortium in KwaZulu-Natal has resulted in the development of a R1.4-billion regional mall construction of which is set to be completed by March 2017.

The JV has acquired the existing 11 000 m² and the 10 ha property at the entrance of the shopping centre, which will see the shopping centre being expanded to 65 000 m² to develop a regional mall. The development rights that exist on the site allow for the centre to be further expanded to 90 000 m².

Upon completion, the new Ballito Junction mall will be over three levels and offer parking over five levels – two of them being underground. It will have a service level underneath the entire building to ensure its efficient operation.

“The extended Ballito Junction is positioned to be the dominant regional shopping centre in the area. It will offer a mix of fashion outlets and a variety of stores as well as entertainment that will include cinemas. Already in excess of 70% of the space within the planned new shopping centre is bespoke,” says Flanagan & Gerard executive director Patrick Flanagan.

He adds that the existing Pick n Pay, which is due to expand its offering, Dischem and other national and independent retailers who currently trade out of Ballito Junction, will be joined by two fashion-based department stores, a general department store and a host of international and national fashion brands.

Apart from cinemas, Flanagan notes that the centre will include family entertainment and an exciting mix of restaurants and fast food outlets, catering for both the permanent residents and visitors to Ballito. Being positioned on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, possessing an east view of the Indian Ocean will allow a number of restaurants to offer dining with sea views and when the weather is fine, outdoor terrace dining.

During the expansion, the existing centre will continue to trade, largely unaffected by construction activities, points out Flanagan. However, he stresses that the centre will undergo a degree of modernisation, so as to tie in to the expansion.

“We are really excited about our first major commercial property development in KwaZulu- Natal. “Our R1.4-billion Ballito Junction development with Flanagan & Gerard represents a major vote of confidence in this burgeoning area,” mentions Menlyn Maine director Carl Jankowitz.

He points out that Ballito has seen significant growth over the last few years, such as the development of the new King Shaka International Airport and Dube Tradeport, which is 10 km away from Ballito.

Jankowitz notes that the new mall will also take advantage of improved access to the area as the South African National Roads Agency Limited is upgrading the N2 highway, which leads to the main entrance to Ballito.

The new mall is expected to cater for other surrounding areas, such as Stanger, Tongaat and Umhlanga.