May 27, 2003
By Bongani Majola
THE Alexandra Chamber of Commerce (Alexcoc) announced last week that it would go ahead with the building of a state-of-the-art shopping centre in the township, north of Johannesburg.
Alexcoc president Joe Manana said the decision to go ahead with the shopping complex was taken at the fourth Alexcoc annual general meeting.
The centre is projected to cost about R250 million and will occupy close to 44 000 square metres, covering the area along London Road into Tsutsumani, the village originally built to house the 2000 All Africa Games' athletes.
"This is by far the most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken in the poverty-stricken township," said Manana.
Manana, a local businessman of repute, expressed optimism that other players from the private sector would invest in the project.
"Already," he said, "the 4 000-member strong Alexcoc, which comprises entrepreneurs from street vendors, hairdressers through to shebeen owners and funeral undertakers, has pledged its total support for the project".
Though an independent venture, Manana said Alexcoc would be working closely with the Alexandra Renewal Project as well as the City of Johannesburg's Region 7's local and economic development task team.
"We will incorporate the Alexandra community and all stakeholders every step of the way because we believe a successful venture is an inclusive process. So we are still all ears for whatever contribution people will make," said Manana.
An illustration of the Alexandra shopping centre
Architect Julian Michaels, the designer of the complex, said the centre would also incorporate cultural activities, arts and crafts as its integral part.
"Initially providing around 32 000 square metres of rentable space," Michaels said, "and rather than functioning only as a shopping centre, it will create a multicultural commercial zone where existing spaza shop owners and small traders will be integrated and absorbed into the centre".
