Durban — Construction companies are hard at work to complete the R1.3 billion Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, which is expected to open its doors to the public on November 15.
The highly anticipated world-class Oceans Mall, north of Durban, is a hive of construction activity.
The project is part of the award-winning R4.3bn Oceans Umhlanga mixeduse development. The first phase of the Radisson Blu Hotel opened its doors to the public in June.
Vivian Reddy, the co-developer of the mall, slammed as “fake” and defamatory an article by News 24 which cast doubt on its opening date. Reddy was referring to an article headlined “Zuma pal Vivian Reddy's high-end R4bn Umhlanga project under threat with a new lawsuit”.
Reddy said: “A disgruntled somebody who stated he did not want to see taxis and their commuters when he opens his window has lodged litigation against the municipality and the developers.“
He said the objector’s affidavit was riddled with inaccuracies.
The Oceans Mall, which will create 2 500 jobs, has 120 stores with Woolworths and Checkers as its anchor tenants and 14 exciting new restaurants. With Oceans Umhlanga, tourists and locals can expect world-class offerings with numerous international and local fashion brands.
The second phase will open in March 2023. This high-end fashion section of the mall will have international fashion brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Versace and many others.
Recently, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City anticipated more investors being drawn to Durban through the Oceans project which stimulated economic growth, created employment opportunities and brought international brands back to Durban.
Kaunda said the City understood the challenges faced by commuters and minibus taxis. He said a public transport facility for taxis and buses would be built to ensure they had enough space to park.
“The developers have introduced a broad-based public offer to 23 000 BEE shareholders as an investment opportunity in the hotel. This ‘community ownership’ of the project speaks to the radical economic transformation ideal in its truest form,” Kaunda said.
Reddy said the inclusion of international brands would create a distinctive and defining feature called the “Platinum Walk” at Oceans Mall.
“This places the mall among the top three exclusive malls in the country, alongside the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and Sandton City in Johannesburg,” he said.
Daily News