New mall on the block for North Coast

Home to more than 110 stores, thousands flooded to get in on the action at the new Cornubia Mall that opened its doors last week.

Speaking at the launch of the 65 000m² shopping centre at Cornubia near Mount Edgecombe, head of Investec Property South Africa, Darryl Mayers said the mall would be a link between the local communities and economic development.

“The role of this mall, together with other developments set to come in the near future, is to continue to carve out new ways of addressing the economic disparity that is still widespread across our city. We are happy to see that the mall continues to work with its local communities in creating a sustainable Cornubia community.”

The mall offers a range of activities and experiences for the entire family.

“We have brought a number of firsts to KZN from the Bounce Trampoline Park, Cycle Lab Megastore, Fives Futbol, Consol Glass and a seven screen Nu Metro cinema complex featuring 4DX to being one of the only malls to offer all three large food retailers – Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers and Spar.”

Ward councillor Siya Thango said the development was not just a mall, but it meant that an unemployed parent could be one of the many people receiving a salary at the end of the month.

“You realise that such a big development will take years for Investec to make a profit, but the community benefits immediately.

“A poor mother or father will get a salary at the end of the month and their lives will change instantly. We as a community are happy about what is happening and this is making a major difference.”

Just under 300 people have been hired thus far, but this is expected to grow. Mayers said there are already plans for expansion.

“There is room for further growth of the mall and there is already a plan underway for a 20 000m² expansion in the future. The second phase will include a further 70 stores. The mall has brought infrastructure, jobs and skills transfer and improved transport to residents within the Cornubia development and surrounding communities.

“We estimate that it will create about 1000 permanent jobs, while at least 2500 temporary jobs were created during construction. We encouraged the retailers to employ from the surrounding communities. To date we helped 1 100 people with work readiness programmes and just under 300 people were hired.

“This will be an ongoing journey to create local employment opportunities.”

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