Game City expansion will create another 500 jobs

Staff Writer | Wednesday October 21, 2009 00:00

 

The developers of the project, Botswana Insurance Fund Management (Bifm), say in a statement that construction of the Game City Phase II project that commenced recently will see Gaborone's prime shopping mall bring more multinational stores to the foot of Kgale Hill.

The mall's 104 stores currently employ approximately 650 people, excluding outsourced staff such as security and cleaners. However, the construction of Phase II will employ another 300 people and an additional 200 after completion.

The 7, 000-square metre single-storey building, which will follow the Phase I Game City concept and design, will see some shops in the Phase I move to what will be the front of the new grand structure, creating an internal walk pavement between Phase I and the new extension.

'To accompany this development is a string of contemporary outside sitting areas expected to blend with the design effect,' the statement says. 'Shopping will be more convenient with a range of upmarket stores to choose from. The Phase II project will also see an addition of a food court that will also boast an outdoor seating area. With dozens of experts (such as) engineers, architects, bricklayers, electricians and other construction specialists on site, BJ Builders will make sure the project will be delivered by April 2010.'

However, the date of the official opening will be in July.
The Property Manager (Commercial) of Khumo Property Asset Management, Outule Bale, says demand for shopping centres is very high. 'We are in line with international market trends,' Bale says. 'This development is a seal of innovation and will give Game City the feel and texture of world-class standards.' 

This comes against the backdrop of the beginning of construction of Phase III at Fairgrounds Office Park approximately four kilometres east of Game City earlier this month and a few months after the completion of SADC Headquarters at the new Gaborone CBD and Phase II of Fairgrounds Office Park, all by Bifm.

 'Game City is a modern lifestyle shopping centre,' says Bifm CEO Victor Senye. 'Investing in a project of this magnitude is not only unique but commendable. We will continue looking for such opportunities that enable lifetime investments.'

Khumo Property Asset Management is a joint venture between Bifm and Eris Property. The company has many other projects in its portfolio, including a P60-million four-storey financial centre that it is developing in collaboration with Stocker Flertwood-Bird.