Something not seen before in the history of Mamelodi, and a huge economic boost for the community - that’s how developers have described a new R1 billion mall being built in the township.

New Africa Developments, the company behind the Jubilee Mall in Hammanskraal, anticipates that the mall in Mahube Valley, off the M10 and K54, will bolster the community, providing jobs and opportunities.

The company’s Robin Houghton said their goal was to create a development such as had not been seen. In the long run, he said, it would include a private hospital and school next to the mall.

“We’ll be doing a lot of work to cater for the developing community in Mamelodi. We will also upgrade roads so that in the end, there will be six roads to cater for the traffic flow in the vicinity of the mall,” said Houghton.

The mall is part of the City of Tshwane’s plan to revitalise the township economy. Much of its groundwork is almost done and the mall is scheduled for completion in April, 2018.

The mall will become an entirely new economic hub for Mamelodi and neighbouring areas. It will have a cinema, gym facilities and shops, and be on par with some of the bigger shopping malls in the country.

Houghton said they did not want to come into the community and push away existing activities, such as informal traders.

“In that regard, we have taken informal traders and given them temporary trading areas within the development. Later, we will build them a permanent structure from which they can operate,” he said.

“A commuter centre will also be created across the road for the A Re Yeng buses and minibus taxis.

“This will make it easier for the community to come to the mall,” he said.

Houghton said they were doing their best to incorporate the local community and reduce unemployment by employing residents of the area.

“The plan is that even during the construction phase there will be lots of jobs created. We have procured a company from Mamelodi for security services and will try where we can to use local community people who have the necessary skills.

“Our vision is that even when tenants take occupation of the mall, we will create job opportunities for the local people to work in the shops.”

The mall has the backing of the authorities, with Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa involved in the launch late last year.

To date, most of the electricity supply infrastructure to the 76 000m² development site is nearing completion.

A sub-station is being built, flattening and compacting of the land done. Water supply and installation of stormwater drains are also being done. The developers said ground work was expected to be completed by the end of July and the first bricks laid in August.

Facts and figures

* It is a New Africa Developments project. The building will be 76 000m² and almost 1km long.

* It will have numerous high-end retail shops.

* Long-term plan includes a private hospital and school.

* There will be a major upgrade of Tsamaya Road and the K54.

* The mall is adjacent to the Mamelodi plaza.

* Completion date is April, 2018.