R1.7bn mall could boost house prices

THE R1.7-billion Bay West Shopping Mall, which is due to open its doors in March next year, could have a massive impact on property buying trends in Port Elizabeth’s western suburbs, RE/MAX Independent Properties said yesterday.

“Currently under construction, the new mall will compare to the likes of Canal Walk and Century City in Cape Town or Gateway in Durban,” RE/MAX franchise owners Kobie Potgieter and Di Allan said.

“Once opened, the mega shopping facility will drive traffic to the area and more people will want to purchase in the region to be closer to the shopping mecca.”

The Bay West Mall development, next to the N2, also included residential nodes, office parks, schools, a hospital, lifestyle centre and a hotel component, and was envisaged to be fully completed within the next 15 years, Potgieter said.