In a statement, Atterbury Property’s Zahn Hulme said the 120 000m² mall, which is expected to be complete by April 2016, will cost R3.5 billion to build.
The development will be a central hub for a range of retail stores, offices, conference and recreational amenities. Hulme explained, “Site works commenced in October 2012 and 1 500 people are currently working onsite, and that is expected to rise.”
One of the security guards at the site who did not want to be named said he hopes the project will hire more unemployed people from Midrand, especially his wife who is not working. “The fact that I already work here should help get her a foot in the door as jobs start being advertised.”
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe said the Waterfall investment is a welcome development as it will create jobs for people in Region A and alleviate poverty. Deppe stated,”On the other hand, the City must take initiative to develop other urban areas such as the Midrand CBD and the Sunninghill node. The City’s neglect of these existing nodes in and around Midrand has caused severe degeneration.”
She expressed concern that, although the mall will change many people’s lives positively, it will add to the heavy traffic on Allandale Road and nearby roads.
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