Cresta responds to Ward councillor’s concerns
CRESTA - Cresta Mall Management says they are prepared to work with the community and councillor on their plans to expand the mall.
Cresta Shopping Centre Management has responded to the concerns raised by Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl about its proposed building expansion.
Van Zijl argued that Cresta Management did not give the community enough time to comment, before submitting their proposal – during the festive holidays – to the City Council.
A meeting was held on 13 March which included Cresta Management, Ward councillor van Zilj and other concerned stakeholders.
Elena Yiallouris, marketing manager responded, “Cresta has always sought to co-exist in harmony with the environment in which it functions, and this
remains one of the centre’s most important development views. This was outlined in the centre’s recent meeting with Ward councillor van Zijl and
representatives of the Cresta Darrenwood Ratepayer’s Association (CDRA), which was constructive and effective in aiding open lines of communication between Cresta and the community.”
Van Zijl highlighted the main issues that were discussed during the meeting and her views on it. “We agreed to disagree on some issues. But there are certain issues that we still need to work on. I am committed to fight against the licence application for a place of amusement. My concerns are for older people who reside in nearby old-age homes. The noise level might be unbearable and unacceptable for people of their age.”
According to her, the centre’s proposal included adding a hotel, car wash and taxi parking, and a place of amusement.
She said during the meeting, Cresta scrapped the application for a hotel but will still have a car wash and parking zone for taxis.
Van Zijl mentioned, “Residents have been complaining about the noise level, which is due to internal demolition going on at Cresta. People have told me that they could hear the noise even after 10pm.”
But Cresta Management said the meeting itself revolved around several agenda items. “Cresta is working very closely with the Ward councillor and CDRA toward finding a workable solution that is satisfactory to all.”
Van Zijl added that Cresta plans to provide space for taxi parking that will only be a drop-off zone and will only accommodate 150 taxis.
They are proposing to subdivide the area that is currently used by the BMW company for the taxi drop-off and pick-up zones.
Cresta Management also committed to upgrading the electricity to the satisfaction of City Power and to demonstrate the provision of alternate electricity sources.
