The new R600 million I’Langa Mall in Nelspruit, a regional shopping centre superbly situated with access off the N4 highway, is set to open in April 2010.

Construction is on schedule and some high-profile retailers have already confirmed their place in the centre, says Luan Visagie of Visagie Trust, one of the owners.

Brett Exner and Di Bolton of Game, Tibo Terblanche and Luan and Elise Visagie of Visagie Trust on site at I’langa Mall in Nelspruit.

“I’Langa Mall is already 85% let and will be anchored by Pick n Pay, Edgars, Game and Woolworths, complemented by major national retailers including Truworths, Foschini, Mr Price and Ackermans, all bringing their very latest offerings to the city,” says Visagie.

I’Langa Mall is owned by the Visagie Trust, Resilient Properties and Laeveldtrust and developed by MTB Development Company. Visagie says the carefully planned mix of tenants, fresh design, superb location and easy access will offer every good reason for Nelspruit’s citizens to embrace it as their shopping and dining venue of choice.

Initially motivated by the long-term vision of the late Andeon Visagie (snr), the development of I’Langa Mall (I’Langa meaning ‘sun’) has evolved based on extensive market research which confirmed a demand for a regional shopping centre on the property. Its varied shopping offering has been specially targeted to meet the needs of the local market, which is confirmed by the enthusiastic retailer take up, says Visagie.

“I’Langa Mall will complement and enhance the retail variety in Nelspruit by introducing a number of retailers to the city for the first time. Among those already confirmed are @HomeLivingSpace, specialist electronics and entertainment store Dion Wired, the surf style of Hang Ten, Due South outdoor and adventure wear, Portuguese women’s wear designer Ana Sousa and Mr Price Sport. In addition, I’Langa Mall will be home to the only Game store in Nelspruit.

“The enclosed air-conditioned I’Langa Mall will cater for all shoppers’ needs in a modern, pleasing shopping environment with an open-air piazza with variety of restaurants.”

Visagie says I’Langa Mall is expected to boost the local community and economy by creating about 2 400 jobs during the construction phase. Once open, it is expected that an additional 3 590 sustainable jobs will be created. Wherever possible, local suppliers and contractors have been used during construction.

The owners have also undertaken extensive traffic studies on the construction of I’Langa Mall and are spending millions in road upgrades, as part of the project, to ensure easy access to the centre and good, uncongested, traffic flows around I’Langa Mall.

“I’langa Mall is proudly local. The idea was conceptualised in Nelspruit; it is being developed by a team of Nelspruit businessmen and built with the best local knowledge and skills,” says Visagie.

Resilient Property Income Fund is a property loan stock company listed on the JSE Limited and focuses on the development of and investment in dominant retail centres. Strict criteria are applied in evaluating target investments and only regions displaying sound long term growth prospects are considered. An experienced investor nationally, Resilient is also major co-owner of Highveld Mall in Witbank and owner of Nelspruit Plaza, underpinning its understanding of fundamentals and dynamics in the market.

With its ethos to invest locally to support both the economy and the community, Laeveldtrust has a strong record of joint ventures and empowering local contractors and business. For over 50 years Laeveldtrust has developed more than 30 properties of various sizes in the Lowveld, as well as undertaking the development of four housing projects during the last seven years.

For information about leasing a shop I’Langa Mall contact Richter van Niekerk Properties on 082 853 3455.