Residents in Musina can look forward to a major new shopping development in town which will have a significant impact on the already booming economy of the town.

The Solly’s Group is currently busy with the first phase of a new shopping complex which will allow shoppers access to some of the largest chain stores in the country.

According to Mr Solly Noor, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the group, the development will take place in three phases. The ground works were completed last year for the complex on both sides of the N1. The builders are currently on site on the eastern side, next to the hospital, and have started building the 17 000m2 centre. Its main tenant will be a Shoprite store of 3 000m2. Other stores that will form part of the first phase belong to the Foschini group of companies and include Foschini, Total Sports, Markham, Exact and Sterns, while the Edcon group of companies will open a CNA and a Legit store. A branch of FNB, 1 000m2 in size, will precede possibly two more commercial banks in the centre. Other stores include Dodo’s, Franco Ceccato, Beaver Canoe, E-Best Buy Beds, Pep Blue Sky, Wimpy and Chicken Lickin.

During the second phase, Cashbuild and Jet are set to be erected on the western side, while negotiations are still continuing with Woolworths, Ocean Basket and Clicks to join Mike’s Kitchen, Romans Pizza, Captain Dorego and Mr Video. According to Mr George Skinner, leasing agent for the complex, some franchising opportunities exist for local people who want to become involved. Interested parties can contact him at The Shopz Group on 011 784 2837.

The third phase of the development will hopefully open with the rest of the stores in October 2009. This phase will include motor and furniture dealers, as well as discount chicken and meat retailers. The development on the eastern side will be 9 000m2.

The complex will provide more than 600 parking bays for customers’ convenience, and it is situated right next to the existing taxi rank. Special care is being taken to preserve the environment, with baobab trees being relocated to make room for the development.