Faan Smit FAQ

Arthur Blake, managing director of Citiq Property Developers, stood up in front of concerned residents of Melville for the fourth time to discuss his plan for shopping and parking facilities at Faan Smit Park at Ward 87 Councillor Amanda Forsythe’s ward meeting on 3 December at Marks Park.

Residents were able to ask questions and view the plans and zoning certificate.

“I am behind this project, because for so long nothing has been done at Faan Smit Park and it’s been an eyesore for us,” said one resident.

“It is a great project from a skills development point of view,” answered another, “but is there any performance guarantee? What if you decide not to go on half way through the development?”

Blake explained that he has a 25 year lease and gave further details to reassure residents.

“It won’t be like a farmer’s market where people come in, sell for a while and then leave. More than 50% of the tenants will be on permanent leases and the shops themselves are permanent.”

When asked why shipping containers, Blake said that it was his preferred mode of modular construction.

“We need to see a business proposal to see if there is value and worth in having this in our community,” retorted the resident, but Blake declined saying that a business plan is personal.

Instead, residents are welcome to view the plans at their leisure at a location in Melville to be decided on by Councillor Forsythe.