February 27 2023
Latitude Properties, the lauded South African development group will open phase one of the R200m Kunjani Concordia mixed-use development with a 4500m2 shopping mall on March 30 2023 in Concordia, Knysna.
Latitude CEO Harry Pretorius explains that phase one of the development will bring shopping convenience to the underserviced area, while phase two will add a second retail component and other facilities including affordable housing, a co-working office, day-clinic, action-soccer fields as well as an Early Childhood Development centre (ECD).
“Kunjani Mall Concordia will change the way people shop, eat, live, and work,” says Pretorius.
National retailers Shoprite, Ackermans and Pep will open branches in phase one of the project. There are also six stalls for smaller traders. These will be let to local micro businesses, which we will grow into bigger businesses that will take larger shops in future. Four of these stalls will be let to women from the neighbourhood. Khanyou’s Health & Beauty, Ruth’s Nail Bar, Zamaguni Fashion and Sarah’s Hair Salon will be tenants. Other tenants will include Nekkies Spares and Black Base Computer Hub.
The residents of the catchment area who must travel mostly by foot into Knysna for goods will now have a hugely improved shopping experience on their doorstep.
“We are extremely excited about our new multi-functional Kunjani concept developments. By creating more equitable developments with more cohesive, inclusive spaces we are making townships better places for residents. The Kunjani Concordia development in Knysna will play a key role in enhancing the neighbourhood fabric, and importantly contribute to job creation,” Pretorius says.
At least 200 builders and labourers will be involved in the construction of the development, and it will also yield at least 100 permanent jobs on completion.
“We have also made allowance to support informal traders and smaller retailers with the space, so our approach is very much a collaborative one that will stimulate the entire area and have a positive social impact,” says Pretorius.
Township retail recovered quickly after the pandemic as shoppers in these areas tend to focus on buying essential foods and goods.
Latitude plans to complete three more Kunjani precincts in the Western and Southern Cape over the next 18 months and remains bullish on long-term growth of retail business in rural and township areas.
A section of the mall’s exterior will be used as a platform to collaborate with South African artists. The first artist to feature is Zanele Montle. A collection of her work will be featured as well as pictures of children from the local community to create a piece called Abantu Yethu or “our people”.
alistair@propertyflash.co.za