RETAIL convenience in Mafikeng will take a vital step forward with a new R90m shopping centre under construction in North West's capital.

Phase one of the McCreedy Friedlander development will see 19000m² of retail space entering the market, anchored by Pick 'n Pay Family (2700m²) and Woolworths (1600m²). Parking for 900 cars will also be developed.

McCreedy Friedlander MD Mark McCreedy says that this development will represent a significant investment for the region, and the centre is being developed in response to the "enormous demand" from the local retailers for a decentralised shopping centre serving both Mmabatho and Mafikeng.

McCreedy says a large percentage of shoppers living in the two towns were forced to travel to Rustenburg, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom for their retail requirements.

Phase two of the development would see another R40m pumped into the centre and raise the retail space by 8000m².

McCreedy Friedlander director Lance Milton says there has already been substantial letting interest in the complex with more than 70% already let to national tenants.

The centre will be known as The Crossing, and be located on the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive and Sekame Drive.

This puts it 10km from the Botswana border.

An estimated 250000 people cross the border each month to capitalise on the favourable exchange rate.

However, McCreedy says the demographics study and viability did not take these figures into account, meaning there was a further positive growth factor expected for the centre.