A former cattle and chicken market is on its way to becoming a commercial hub, with the construction of Mandeni Plaza.

The shopping centre is scheduled to open in September next year.

The brainchild of JV partners McCormick Property Development and KwaThomseni, the development will cost R110 million.

KwaThomseni owner Deon Green-Thompson is famous for selling livestock on the land, in the centre of town, where the plaza is to be built.

During the sod turning ceremony on Monday, Mandeni mayor Siphesihle Zulu said the centre would give Mandeni the facelift the small town has been needing for a while.

“Having Mandeni Plaza means a convenient shopping experience and job opportunities for the people of Mandeni and that is the kind of boost our local economy needs,” said Zulu.

Promising over 12 000m² of retail to the surrounding community, Green-Thompson said about 450 people will be employed during construction, with an additional 450 permanent positions opening through tenants once the project is complete.

McCormick Property Development’s managing director Jason McCormick said: “We are confident the plaza will contribute to the overall image of Mandeni and encourage the upgrading of existing facilities in neighbouring areas.”

Mandeni Plaza’s modern design includes an external food court and a mix of national retailers that already includes Shoprite, Capitec Bank, Roots, Mr Price, Sheet Street, Jet, Rage and KFC. The plaza will two entrances off the P459 main road.