Johannesburg - Lephalale in Limpopo will soon receive an enormous economic injection in the shape of the new R600m regional shopping centre.

The 42 000m² centre will be developed by Silverleaf Developers on a 12ha site in Onverwacht in the Greater Lephalale region. This is a joint venture between Moolman Group (with a 40% interest), Uniqon Wonings (with 40%) and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment (with 20%).

Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard says it will be the first major centre in the area and will offer national retailers the opportunity to broaden their exposure. Letting has already started and the centre is drawing interest from both national and local tenants.

Lephalale is a huge municipality covering an area of 19 605km².

This Bushveld town's economy is driven by investment in the mining and energy sectors. It is the home of Exxaro's Grootgeluk Mine, which supplies coal to the Matimba power station outside the town and will also provide coal to the Medupi power station, which is under construction.

Construction of the centre will begin in the middle of next year and it is expected to open its doors in September 2011.

- Sake24.com

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