A glamorous opening fits the theme of the Odyssey, Ballito’s newest mall

The official opening of Odyssey Ballito, once the site of an eyesore for the town, was a fittingly glamorous affair last Thursday.

The mixed-use development next to the Ballito Junction on Simbithi Drive, includes retail, residential and medical facilities.

It has been 4 years in the making following Ballito Bay Mall’s descent into liquidation in 2017.

Odyssey co-developer, Sathie Govender, admits that the process has not been completely flawless.

“This development has been an extended voyage which started like a western movie. Despite the previous owners going into liquidation, they were hell-bent on retaining the mall. We have had to defend against many frivolous lawsuits, but are glad to have made it to today,” he said at the opening on October 28.

Add in the constant stoppages that Covid-19 brought and it was often a frustrating process, he said. The retail side of the mall is now open, with a number of boutique stores trading.

“The mall has boutique offerings that you cannot find anywhere else. We think it will complement Ballito Junction and Lifestyle, not compete.”

The residential and medical side are expected to open in December.

Designed by Charles Taylor Architects, the Odyssey will host Ballito’s first day hospital, backed by the Ribumed Group.

The hospital will have 32 beds and specialist departments including oncology, radiology, pathology, a renal unit and behavioural centre.

There are 4 operating theatres.

Residential units will have access to both the retail and medical sections, with 2 bath, 2 bedroom units starting at R1.67 million.

On the same day Alpha Omega Foodmarket, the flagship store for the centre, opened its doors. With modern finishes, the 3500m² store stocks a large range of quality products.

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