Work has commenced on the expansion of Game City Mall following the signing of the agreement between Turnstar Holdings Limited and the contractor.
The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) listed property outfit has named China Jiangx Corporation as the contractor, which the company said will be complete for Easter 2016 trading.
The company has stated its intentions to position Game City as a top retail space in the country at a time when more competitors are coming into the market and consumer patterns vary.
“There will be a huge new variety of retailers and food outlets,” the company said. Game City does not provide night life compared to its peers especially Riverwalk, Masa Centre and Airport Junction that have attractive restaurants to the Gaborone middle class and those who can afford to eat out.
“Turnstar intends changing this with a new offering that will create a vibrant and lively vibe for the whole family,” added the group led by Gulaam Abdoola.
A visit to Game City shows that already work has started as seen by the closure of back entrance and parking leading to the entrance by Edgars into the restaurants. The area will be closed until construction is completed.
“The expansions will include additional retail space, a fashion avenue, restaurant areas including a food court, entertainment areas and a parkade. The building plans have been approved by the authorities,” the company said in its results for the 6 month period ended 31st July 2014.
At the time of first announcement, the additional space at Game City is 80 percent pre let, according to the company.
Game City will be expanded by approx. 8,000 sq.m and the works will be completed in 18 months. The other shopping centre being developed is The Mlimani City retail Mall in Tanzania, which will be expanded by approx. 10,000 sq. m with basement parking. The Mlimani work is planned to commence in the third quarter of 2014 and take a period of 18 months.
Mlimani City Tanzania is being expanded to include additional retail and commercial space including basement parking, additions to the Conference Centre and a Botanical Garden. Negotiations with the Tanzanian Investment Centre is being finalised, upon completion of which, construction will commence.
Turnstar’s portfolio include Game City shopping Centre, Nzano Shopping Centre, in Francistown, Fairgrounds Office Park, Mogoditshane, Supa Save Mall, Turnstar House, Main Mall, offices in Commerce Park, Mogoditshane Flats, Hyunda Warehouse, Tapologo Estates, Mlimani city in Tanzania.
The company said when the project is complete, it will lead to revenue growth of 25 percent.
