Nelson Mandela daughter Builds on Newmarket Racecourse

June 4 will mark the day for major changes in Alberton when the earthworks for the new Makro store, as part of the Newmarket Park Development, kicks off.

If all goes to plan, the store will open for public trading a year from today on May 22 2013.

Developer Riaan Jonker is one of the stakeholders in this upmarket development set to change Alberton’s CBD with the hope that it will bring even more development to the Alberton and that it will keep Albertonians shopping in the area.

When the RECORD first reported on the development of Newmarket Park in 2010, readers were exited to hear about something new on the cards for Alberton.

Big expectations:

Boasting 770 000 square metres (the size of about 110 rugby fields) of undeveloped land, the planned development includes retail, commercial, offices, residential, leisure and entertainment.

Although negotiations to many of these are in advance stages, Riaan Jonker stated that he could not disclose more information until such time that contracts and agreements between parties have been signed and sealed. "We can disclose information but I want to honour negotians and treat it with respect. Once everything is secured, we will give through the information through to the public via the media here today," said Riaan Jonker.

The Makro store will not only bring the normal bulk buying opportunity to Albertonians’ doorsteps, but will also make provision for fresh produce and including a butchery.

Job creation:

This store will take up more than 18 500 square metres once completed and Mr Jannie Moolman, chairman of the Moolman group gave the assurance that about 400 jobs will be created during the construction of the store and that once completed; a number of other permanent jobs will be created. "It does not make sense to employ people that need to travel long distances, when you can employ local people," Moolman stated during the information session.

The Development of Newmarket Park is a joint venture between Rejem Development (with partners Riaan Jonker and Dr Makaziwe Mandela (or better known as Maki eldest daughter of Mr Nelson Mandela and her husband Dr Amuah) and Linton Projects.

Members of the Mayoral Committee, Bennett Nikani and Aubrey Nxumalo welcomed the development and what it would mean for Alberton’s future and gave the developers their assurance of the EMM’s (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council) support at all times.

Local councillors Bruna Haipel and Izak Berg who attended the information sessions is in full support of this development.

Fact file:

*400 new jobs during construction of Makro alone with skills transferred during construction.

*60 to 70 percent of the permanent staff component after completion will be from the local community.

*R10 to R15 million local procurement will take place.

*You can expect stock of R120 million on the grand opening day with 40 000 different products on the shelves.

*Tens of thousands as part of social responsibility will be donated to selected schools and charities during the opening.

*Earthworks start June 4

*Construction rolls out on July 9

*Work be shut down over Christmas from December 14 to January 7 2013.

*More new jobs created through the development of the Newmarket Park on an ongoing basis as the development rolls out in different phases

So sad..loved that place.