An array of guests, celebrities, captains of industry, politicians and fashionistas flocked to Durban’s Oceans Mall nestled in the posh suburb of Umhlanga on Friday evening for the grand opening of a R 600-million Platinum Walk high fashion centre.
The fashion centre, which is the first in the province, is home to over 12 international brands in one place, including Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Versace and Burberry .
Billionaire businessman Vivian Reddy, who co-developed the mall, told Sunday World it was a show of confidence in Durban as an investment destination of choice in South Africa.
“These are international companies investing, which means additional jobs for Durban and surrounding areas,” said Reddy.
Describing the development as a game changer for the KwaZulu-Natal economy, Reddy said apart from being 100% black-owned, the R1.3-billion shopping mall investment had created at least 1 300 permanent jobs for the locals.
“The new R1.3-billion Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, Durban is part of the R4.3-billion mixed Oceans Development and is a show of confidence in the future of our country.
“The mall created 3 500 jobs during construction and 1 250 permanent jobs. This mall is unique as it is the only luxury mall in South Africa to have 65% black tenants and 100% black-owned, with the PIC being a co-shareholder,” he said.
The mall, which has been dubbed a “Dubai in Durban”, overlooks the breath-taking view of the Indian ocean. It was opened in November last year and forms part of a R4.3-billion mixed-use development comprising three towers, a hotel and luxury residential apartments.
Several retail shops and eateries are anchored in the mall. The mall also features over 200 rooms under Radisson Blu Hotel. The entire 327, 600m2 project was developed by Elphick Proome Architecture in collaboration with Edison Group, a company founded by Reddy.
Reddy also said the long-term plan was to have similar developments in far-flung rural districts in the province.
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