The centre will be a place where importers of everything Chinese, from food products, clothing and household goods, to furniture, electrical appliances and fabrics, will be able to sell their wares to the public and local traders.
The idea to build a China Town in the seaport city of Cape Town came after the successful opening of three such shopping centres in Gauteng.
Redefine's CEO, Brian Azizollahoff, said that based on this, they were confident that a similar concept would work in Cape Town and would create a different retail asset to complement and enhance the Ottery Hypermarket node.
China Town has been built diagonally opposite Pick 'n Pay's Ottery Hypermarket, which building is also owned by Redefine.
"This kind of development would be impossible without the input of the Chinese partners as many of the tenants speak little English. Also, one needs an understanding of the Chinese demands and requirements, as well as their customs," said Steve Kruger of the China Town Trust in which the Chinese consortium is a partner.
The consortium holds the lease over the entire centre, which comprises approximately 7,500sq m of gross lettable area, and is made up of 48 retail units varying from 50sq m to 200sq m, all of which have been let.
The Chinese representation, on behalf of the traders, provided input on the overall design, making changes to the orientation of certain walls between units to ensure that these were not 45 degree angled walls and that the colours of the complex include red roofs and earth tones.
Also, a high level of security has been introduced with camera surveillance, roaming guards and spiked access booms.
Areas within easy access of this new centre include Philippi, Landsdowne, Claremont and Wynberg and China Town is readily accessible by buses, taxis, and cars.
Developed for Redefine by Madison Property Fund Managers, all the design aspects of the centre were overseen by the Chinatown Trust.
At this stage, Redefine says the centre is trading at 90% of its capacity. – I-Net Bridge
Readers' Comments
Have a comment or question about this article? Email us now..
Looking for a new home?
To find a property to buy, visit Find a Property and view listings of properties in all areas. Check out Property Reports and get an affordable online report on actual sold prices of properties in your area.
Property News
Click here for more property news articles.
Need a blog?
Start your own blog with a free blog from 24.com.
Print
