Plans have been finalised for a controversial R15-million convenience centre in Summerstrand and construction will start in the next two months.

The upmarket Mercado Shopping Centre will be on the corner of Admiralty Way and Strandfontein Road with a surface area of 9,000m².

In January 2003 it was reported that the development had sparked heated debate when the developer, former Uitenhage mayor Dr Siva Pillay, first announced his plans to build the centre with an adjoining petrol station in 2002.

Residents opposed the plan, which was advertised for public comment, saying the proposed complex would attract traffic, noise, unsavoury elements and filth.

The local government housing and traditional affairs department in Bhisho has since approved building plans for the 3,000m² convenience centre and the complaints have been resolved.

Plans for the petrol station were dropped as the plot was not big enough.

Spar was the first to sign a lease agreement and will be the anchor tenant.

Ten other tenants have been earmarked for the centre and include a coffee bar, restaurant, laundromat, hair salon, banks, photographic shop, banking facilities, estate agency and a boutique.

The centre will be opened in the first quarter of next year.

Port Elizabeth architect Edgardo Gamlieri, of G&F Architecture, said the centre would be built in a V-shape with the line shops around the Spar.

The shops will have exposure from both Admiralty Way and Strandfontein Road.

"It will not be your usual shopping centre.

"Care was taken to design the building with a modern look and to make it fit in with its upmarket surroundings. We want to make it a landmark in the area," Gamlieri said.

Gamlieri said a traffic impact assessment had been conducted and the centre designed to reduce noise pollution. There will be a buffer of about six metres and a wall between the shopping centre and nearby houses.

The line shops, on each side of Spar, will have two levels, with the upper level reserved for offices, coffee shops and restaurants.

Tenders for contractors will be announced next month and construction is expected to take eight months.

As the developer, Pillay ensured a strong black economic empowerment component to the construction and management of the centre.

The land is owned by the metro and is leased by the developer. Once the development has been completed it will revert to the metro.

Eastern Province Herald