THE new Parklands Lifestyle Centre, on the corner of Link and Parklands roads, is fully let with tenant occupation beginning on December 1.

Baker Street Properties retail division head David de Kock took the scheme from the conceptual stage to completion, which included the leasing of all the shops in the centre. The total lettable area of this modern centre is 7 000m2, with parking for 400 cars.

'The rapid expansion of Parklands and the surrounding suburbs has created a huge demand for retail space,' said De Kock.

'As a result the centre has attracted a broad spectrum of tenants. The anchor tenants in the complex are Planet Fitness Gym and Country Fresh Market and Deli.'

The main contractors on the project were Sudhier Magan architects, structural engineers Orrie Welby-Solomon, electricians De Villiers and Khan and developer Broadlands Investments.

De Kock said: 'The leasing rates for the centre are extremely attractive and competitive, especially if one looks at the local catchment area and burgeoning population mix.

'The whole West Coast residential component has grown unbelievably over the past decade. It is said that more than 48 families a month are moving into Parklands because of the range of quality properties being developed and the lifestyle provided. This part of the West Coast offers accessibility to beautiful beaches, sporting amenities, stylish restaurants and good schools.

'Activity in the retail property market has been relatively buoyant even though we have seen several interest hikes. Next year looks even more promising, with economic growth looking positive, a more stable rand and with interest rates likely to remain at present levels or even be reduced. We therefore anticipate increased activity in the commercial, industrial and retail property sector.'