Scheduled for trading in the third quarter of 2011, the centre is already having a positive impact on its natural environment. 

A strong conservation ethos is being applied throughout the development of this 26,000sqm shopping centre, with the highlight being the design and creation of a wetland flanking the project. 

Edendale Mega City is spearheaded by a BEE joint venture between well known local property developer Rob Alexander of Ducatus Properties and Tebogo Mogashoa of Tebfin Developments. 

“One of our priorities before we began the development of Edendale Mega City was to assess our impact on the environment and to identify methods of being environmentally respectful,” says Mogashoa.  “An Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken, identifying the adjacent wetland as the key environmental focus.  The wetland will serve as a buffer zone and a natural feature of the development.”

The 1,3ha wetland will attenuate stormwater flows coming from the centre and will also aid in the filtration of the centre’s runoff before it enters the nearby Msunduzi River.  

In addition, the wetland will be an aesthetically pleasing component of Edendale Mega-City, offering a viable green outdoor space that will be welcomed and enjoyed by tenants and shoppers alike.

A palette of locally indigenous fauna and flora will feature in the wetlands alongside patches of reeds, rock piles and shallow ponds. 

Numerous opportunities were also identified for the conservation of natural vegetation from the site, explains Susan Carter-Brown of Afzelia Environmental Consultants.

“Another important conservation element was the safe relocation of threatened indigenous plants, which occurred prior to the earthworks commencing,” notes Carter-Brown. 

“These plants, which include the African potato plant and members of the hyacinth family, are now being tended to off-site. On completion of Edendale Mega City, the plants will be returned to site and used for landscaping and any remaining plants will be relocated to Bisley Nature Reserve.” 

Furthermore, a detailed landscaping philosophy will be applied to the entire development. 

“All appropriate areas within the development will be rehabilitated with indigenous vegetation which will be sourced from local nurseries,” explains Carter-Brown.  “There will also be the continued management of the landscaped and wetland area, including the close monitoring of invasive alien plants and the sensitive use of herbicides within the development.”

Edendale Mega City will bring much needed retail services, including leading national tenants, exciting line shops, and a substantial food court to the area. It will also include a modern banking mall and a custom-built taxi facility.

The shopping centre is currently being developed in a prime location, on Pietermaritzburg’s former “Mason’s Mill” site and will bring an array of popular brands and choice retail products to the community.

“The movement towards environmental sustainability will extend beyond the development phase of Edendale Mega City,” highlights Development and Project Manager for MC Props Mark Johnson. “Green initiatives will be incorporated into the daily running of the centre.”

“As developers, it’s important that we create spaces and shared assets that the community can be proud of,” conclude Johnson.  “Edendale Mega City is one of these developments, harnessed and aligned to the needs of the community in every aspect.”  

This investment is intended to continue beyond the centre's opening.