Bankrupt mall as a haven for seniors?

I refer to the article appearing in last week’s edition of the Courier (Mall – final liquidation notice, July 31) and now that the liquidation and presumably the “death knell” of Ballito Bay Mall has come about with some of the well known tenants having already indicated their intentions of moving out, I write to suggest an idea that I have thought over for a long time!

How about some good developer buying this “lame duck” and turning it into the Ballito senior citizens haven?

Converting the present structure should not be too difficult as you already have lifts, escalators and ample undercover safe parking. On the uppermost level a sitting out recreation garden area could be laid out for the residents.

A small Kwikspar type shop, a chemist, doctor’s rooms, physio, dentist, laundry and a frail-aged care section could easily be accommodated.

I envisage flatlets of one and two bedrooms as well as bachelor type single accommodation being provided.

This establishment would be very centrally situated and within easy distance of our wonderful Alberlito Hospital as well as being in close proximity to our existing shopping amenities.

Just a thought, but it seems such a pity to let an opportunity like this slip and a good developer could make money from this venture, as I do not suggest that the accommodation be let out for free!

A good rental would assure that a decent level of people would be attracted and this could bring in many new active senior citizens into our Ballito? All would benefit and I would be first to put my name down to get in!

G.C.(BARNEY) FLETT

Ballito

I was rather taken by a reader’s comment on Facebook on the mall: “Two words – Wrecking Ball!” – Editor