Palapye�s biggest mall readies to open
Koketso Kgoboge | Friday February 2, 2018 15:19
The P95 million mall was initially set to open in July 2017, but the arrival of anchor tenants, Shoprite and Nandos, altered the set up and pushed forward the opening.
This week, project manager Anthony Sekgweng confirmed that construction is complete. He said the contractor is doing finishing touches and some shops concurrently are doing fittings and fixtures. The anchor tenant, Shoprite, is expected to take over occupation on February 1, 2018.
The 22,000-square metre mall will house 52 shops and seven office spaces. Shoprite occupies a 2,400-square metre section in the mall. Along with Shoprite, 18 other South African-based brands are also expected to open at the mall.
Other tenants include Orange Botswana, the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited, Pepkor Retail Properties, Foschini Group, Bahumi and four restaurants. About 20 tenants including an eye clinic, two health Spas have already picked up their keys.
While some tenants are expected to open shop before the grand opening, most have aligned their launches with the anchor tenant on March 22. Sekgweng said they are currently working on securing occupational permits. He said installation of traffic lights on the A1/mall connection is one of the major items that are left. “We have engaged the Roads Department for the approval of our map and as soon as that is done, the work starts. I am confident that will be done in time for the grand opening, otherwise the rest are just minor things that will be completed in no time,” he said.
He added that the iron sheets that were blocking the view in front of the mall have been removed and the site is open for public viewing.
“The opening is near and we want the public to acquaint themselves with the mall.” The mall will be managed by Khumo Properties, which also manages Game City, Airport Junction and Galo Mall amongst others.