New mixed use, town centre development for Bridge City

Bridge City Mall has secured tenants that include major national retailers and brands such as Shoprite, Spar, Woolworths, Mr Price, Edgars, OK Furniture, KFC and Spur, as well as major banks, while an additional 13 000sqm second phase of retail is also planned.

Now a strategically positioned corner site - Isango (meaning gate or gateway) - comprising a mix of commercial, retail and residential components, has been launched to the marketplace. Developed by Kagiso Urban Management, this site is planned for completion at the end of 2011/first quarter of 2012. A major fund has expressed interest in purchasing the residential precinct of this development, currently planned to comprise 300 one- and two-bedroomed units to service rental demand, while 5000sqm of commercial space is under negotiation for a major tertiary education institution.

Easy access

Taryn Muller, commercial agent for Pam Golding Properties in Durban - marketer of the Isango development, said: "With high visibility from the KwaMashu Highway (M25) and easy access to major routes including the N2, this prime corner site provides an excellent location and maximum exposure as it is situated right on Bridge City's main activity spine leading to the regional hospital, shopping mall and magistrate's court. It's the gateway to Bridge City and at the first interchange leading from Phoenix Industrial, as well as being just five minutes' walk from the taxi/bus rank and train station, and directly opposite a mixed-use development, which includes a petrol filling station."

Retail and commercial space

On this just-launched site over 4 300sqm of retail space and in excess of 15 000sqm of commercial space is available in flexible configurations ranging in size from 100sqm, with ample parking and easy access. GAPP Architects & Urban Designers has focused on an aesthetic, contemporary design with the development separated into three main vertical precincts comprising retail/commercial/hospitality and a private residential precinct. All precincts include individualised, private landscaped courtyards and parking and are connected via pedestrian links.

Said Muller: "Due to its strategic position of Isango, this development has strong appeal for use as corporate offices, call centres, a hotel operator with conferencing, government services and educational centres as well as a vast array of food, retail and supply services located at ground level to cater for businesses, residents and visitors."

Bridge City - a joint venture between eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett Developments - is a progressive, modern city designed to service a rapidly growing population, which includes the nearby areas of Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu. It serves as a link that will integrate and provide economic empowerment to all the local communities and create a new town centre that will be a major asset to the city of Durban.