IF all goes according to plan, a new retail centre will open its doors to shoppers in Doonside and the surrounds in November 2023.
However, the public is already divided on the matter as some see it as needed to help boost the area’s economy, while others feel the addition of another shopping mall will sound the death knell for already struggling local small businesses.
Concerns have also been raised regarding traffic as the area is notorious for congestion during peak times.
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The Kingsburgh Junction will be built on the vacant site in Seadoone Road between the N2 and Seadoone Mall. The retail centre’s developers, AJ Property Holdings, are no strangers to Amanzimtoti as they also built Amanzimtoti Towers, a retail center in the CBD that houses Virgin Active among other businesses.
Emails with questions to AJ Property Holdings had not been responded to at the time of going to print despite follow-up phone calls.
A statement, however, on the AJ Holdings Facebook site, said the site was chosen to provide a convenient shopping location to residents of Doonside, Doon Heights, Shulton Park, Illovo Glen, Baphehli and southern portions of Amanzimtoti. The 13 672m² complex will be home to 32 stores.
“The proposed site is most likely to function as a retail convenience facility adding to the variety encountered at the nearby Seadoone Mall, serving the surrounding middle-income suburbs,” read the statement, adding that the centre will increase the level of competitiveness at neighbourhood level, creating an attraction for the Seadoone Road node as a retail destination.
It was a different story on Facebook, as South Coast residents made their views clear.
“We should be happy and grateful that there is development in Toti. I say, hooray,” said Frank Fourie.
“No need for that, we have enough shops, rather make affordable housing,” said Ashleigh Simpson.
“Not impressed, sorry. I’m tired of these concrete jungles. Every time another rises, there is less space for monkeys to feed and then shot in urban areas. We need parks with lots of trees where children can play and learn about nature,” said Charlene Botha.
Heather Ann Young saw the development as a positive for the area.
“Narrow-minded people with so many negative comments. This will provide employment to so many, providing a recurring income, including investment to our area that is sorely needed. Growth is a positive,” she said.
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