THE long–awaited Corkwood Square Mall in Uitenhage which will provide a variety of shopping and entertainment facilities as well as job opportunities, is expected to open its doors on October 28.
As previously reported by the UD Express Holger Peens, CEO of Keystone Investments said that, owing to the time lost during the COVID–19 lockdown, the mall which was set to open in March 2021 had to be moved to October instead.
“It has obviously been a very tough environment to develop a centre such as this and there have been various delays. However, we are confident that we can mitigate these as we go along,” said Peens.
According to him, it is difficult to quantify a percentage of how much work has already been completed at the construction site, but he remains confident that they are still on track for the grand opening on the planned date.
“Before the opening date we will need to get the structure completed, put on the roof, then fit–out the internals and put in roads and parking areas.”
Peens said the positive impact of the shopping mall will not only be for Uitenhage, but also KwaNobuhle, Despatch and surrounding communities.
“The centre will create many jobs which are needed in our current times,” he added.
“The development of the centre will also mean that the residents in these areas will have a top–class shopping and entertainment facility right on their doorstep and do not have to travel 45 minutes to other shopping centres in Port Elizabeth anymore,” said Peens.
He said the centre will be anchored by Checkers, Dischem, Woolworths, Boxer and The Fun Company (Family Entertainment Centre).
In addition, there will be other larger tenants such as Truworths, Ackermans, Mr Price, Mr Price Sport, Mr Price Home, Pep, Pep Home, Studio 88, Legit, Beaver Canoe, Pick n Pay Clothing, Cape Union Mart, Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, Capitec, Checkers Liquor, Burger King, ZE Africa, Miladys, Tekkie Town, Crazy Store, Cash Crusaders and Boxer Liquor.
Peens further said apart from all the aforementioned tenants they will also have a good food offering to complement the entertainment offering and cellphone shops, beauty and hair shops and electronics to name a few.
“We are now at 78% let and expect to be over 85% by the end of March,” said Peens.
