POLOKWANE – Polokwane will soon be home to a Hilton Hotel, with the luxury seven-storey development forming part of the ambitious Green Ark Precinct near the Greenery Shopping Centre.

The Polokwane Mayor, John Mpe, confirmed the project during a media briefing earlier today.

“As we grow, Polokwane continues to attract local and international investment,” said Mpe.

“We are proud to announce the allocation of land to investors from the United Arab Emirates to construct a seven-storey hotel at the Green Ark Precinct near the Greenery Shopping Centre, which is currently in the planning stage. This project represents more than bricks and mortar, it means jobs, tourism and a significant boost to our local economy,” he said.

Construction is expected to commence mid-May, with Mpe stating that first-phase approvals are nearly complete.

Development will kick off with individual regional offices for three of the country’s biggest banks and an underground basement parking facility.

The Hilton Hotel and a long-stay apartment block form part of the second phase of the precinct.

The overall development, headed by the Networth Group, carries an estimated investment value of R765m and this figure is expected to rise as talks with prospective tenants and partners continue, Mpe said.

Once operational, the development is projected to create about 3 000 jobs during construction and 360 permanent positions.

“We are also pleased to confirm that a prestigious Sod Turning Ceremony will be held to commemorate the official groundbreaking of this landmark development. Preparations are underway to host this event at the end of May,” Mpe said.