The future of Springs envisioned

The future of Springs might not be set in stone but Franco D’Ariggo and his family are invested in it.

The family has grown and sown seeds in the town and they are doing it once more with a lifestyle centre.

Giacomo D’Arrigo, Franco’s son, speaks about the offering and new experience that is coming with the new development.

“The lifestyle centre offers a different experience to that of the mall because it caters to a different market.

“There was a demand from the residents of Springs for more and we decided to give the community what it needs because they deserve it,” he says.

Giacomo, who also has a passion project of his own in the pipeline, says attaining the necessary permissions to begin constructing was a little easier this time around.

“We did not struggle to secure investors and permissions because people are witnesses to the success of the mall.

“Things were simpler because we are reputable but we are proud to have done everything by the book,” confirms Giacomo.

Franco talks about his love for Springs and his pride as a South African Italian Springsite.

“I grew up in the poorer part of Springs and for the better part of 17 years, I was the only boy of another race there.

“That was both a humbling and teachable experience,” says Franco.

He adds that his upbringing allowed him to fall in love with the community of Springs and to develop the want to give back.

“My motto is it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice,” he adds.

Franco says he does what he does for the town because he wants to make it an even better place for all.

“People look down on Springs and that must stop,” he affirms.

Franco is a family man and it is obvious in the way he conducts business. He works with his family which includes his siblings and children but he considers everyone who comes in contact with him as family.

“We have to treat people with respect and care and this only happens when you put them first in all things.

“That is what family means and that is why we conduct our business with strong family values because without the support of the community and family, we are nothing,” he says.

He lauds the City of Ekurhuleni for always coming to the party when it comes to collaborations with private businesses.

“Council is not always good, they have their days but personally the good outweighs the bad and what has always mattered to me is their openness for new business ventures,” he says.

Franco says with the new lifestyle centre in place, he plans to make an even bigger impact in Springs through job creation.

“Through this project, we aim to provide at least 1 000 temporary jobs and up to 700 permanent jobs with about 60% of them being locals.”

He says he wants to employ locally to make a difference in the state of livelihood for the families of Springs.

“For me, if you can change one person’s life that’s enough for me.”

When asked about their future plans, Giacomo steps in and introduces the next phase of their plans.

“Another major problem in Springs has always been the lack of entertainment facilities in the area and we hope to change that.

“We plan to open an entertainment hub at one of our locations that will cater to all groups and people,” he adds.

Franco says businesses should be encouraged to invest in Springs as it’s in a prime area.

“Springs is on the border of Gauteng and Mpumalanga which creates an opportunity for investment.

“Even though it is a lower end market, it is more viable for investment as the worker’s market is friendlier.

“We are also close to a highway and people coming and going pass through Springs.”

Springs Lifestyle Centre is projected to open in May 2025.

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