Eco Junction ignites business drive
The prime location allows easy access to a number of logistics facilities
THE envisaged John Ross Eco-Junction is set to revive the sluggish economic growth in Empangeni.
Specifics of the business development were outlined at a Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (ZCCI) Divisional meeting in Empangeni on Thursday.
ZCCI members, the business fraternity and entrepreneurs welcomed the establishment of a modern business park to boost economic development in the region.
Liberty Groups Property Development Manager Xolani Nene explained that progress is on track and the transfer is scheduled to go through in March. ‘The site will be fully serviced by the first quarter of 2014 and we already have had an number of businesses approaching us to set-up lease agreements.”
The development offers 30 sites, built to the tenants’ specifications with occupation estimated to be in February 2015.
The park has been classed as a ‘Special Zone Business Park 1′ which includes general business in the form of shopping centres and malls with sites for showrooms already reserved.
The prime location allows easy access to a number of logistics facilities making it a desirable commercial platform that will serve most businesses needs.
Tangawizi Motors will occupy the first completed building with storage facilities, a petrol station as well as an Italtile Limited outlet.
A private hospital, doctors’ practices and a hotel have also reserved a number of sites.
The John Ross Eco-Junction will maintain its historic nature as a former timber plantation with a preserved wetland park. The park, to mirror its surroundings, will be eco-sensitive and energy-efficient.
The estate will also be designed as a fully secure, hi-tech development and access will be monitored by a single manned security point.’ explained Nene.
ZCCI Chairperson Mike Patterson said the development complimented Empangeni and would create some synergy between the Eco-Junction project and Empangeni as a whole.
‘As a town we can only benefit from job creation, a wider variety of shops and services as well as exposure to new products and businesses. However, the goal of enhancing the aesthetics of Empangeni must continue with more longer-lasting, visible results.’
