A LITTLE more than two years ago a vacant property in Caversham Road, Pinetown made headlines for being a haven for criminals, vagrants and drug users. The dilapidated building was then demolished and excavation for a new development started.
More than 250 short-term jobs will be created and the developers have put emphasis on supporting local businesses.
NMI Durban South Motors, through its property company, Rapiprop, are currently in the process of developing a new Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler showroom and workshop facilities on the property at the intersection of Caversham and Hagart Roads in Pinetown.
The property previously housed a textile factory, which burned down a number of years ago, leaving derelict buildings on the property for a number of years.
Rapiprop has since acquired the property and demolished the derelict buildings. It is now in the process of constructing the bulk earthworks platforms for the two facilities.
“The new Mercedes-Benz facility will be a multi-level, 10 100 square meter building and will be the first dealership in the country to incorporate the latest Mercedes-Benz brand specifications. The new Chrysler facility will also be a multi-storey building, about 3 500 square meters in extent and will accommodate the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat and Alfa brands,” said Tim Kemp, the project manager on site.
“Both buildings have been designed to include the latest technology for green buildings and sustainable developments, from recycling the crushed material obtained from the previous buildings on the property to the latest technology in energy efficiency and water recycling and rainwater harvesting,” Kemp added.
Kemp said the total capital cost of the development will be in the region of R125-million and the project is anticipated to generate about 250 short-term jobs during construction, with the emphasis on empowerment and support for local business.
Construction of the new buildings is scheduled to commence in January next year, with the facilities anticipated to become operational in February
2016.
But local councillor, Bruce Sutcliffe, said the extensive earthworks have created a situation where instead of the contractors using Caversham and Mariannhill Roads to transport the spoil, they have been using Second and Third Avenue in Ashley as a shortcut.
According to Sutcliffe, based on numerous complaints from residents he has taken the matter up with the road maintenance department, requiring them to inspect the road. He also asked Metro Police to step in regarding the use of the above mentioned roads.
Kemp said any damage caused to the roads and pavements immediately adjacent to the site will be repaired by the construction company.
