adminLangton Nyakwenda – Sunday Mail Reporter
A giant player in the country’s retail sector is set to inject a new lease of life at Chitungwiza Town Centre in a venture that will trigger activity in the dormitory town.
The Sunday Mail can reveal that the owners of the facility — Old Mutual — are on the verge of sealing a massive deal which will see a new tenant occupying at least 20 percent of the giant complex.
While Old Mutual would not reveal the tenant’s name for fear of jeopardising the deal, the company said Chitungwiza was headed for a new era.
Chitungwiza Town Centre used to offer nearly all essential services ranging from wholesale, banking and retail to entertainment.
But due to economic challenges and high rentals, the centre had seen occupancy fall to less than 50 percent in 2007.
Old Mutual property manager Mr Gilbert Gumpo said; “We are currently negotiating with a major tenant who, if they come in, will see the centre around 85 percent occupied. Naturally we would be happy with 90 percent occupancy.
“At about 65 percent occupancy currently, this centre is holding out and surviving, it is far from a white elephant. Given the prevailing economic environment, it is expected that some shops have closed down, but Old Mutual has responded by reducing space sizes to accommodate players in the small and medium scale enterprises and those in the informal sector.”
Mr Gumpo expressed confidence that the centre would soon return to its glory days.
“Improved occupancy and higher traffic would return the centre to its former glory, but as it stands Chitungwiza Town Centre is faring reasonably well.
“We will continue to work with tenants in exploring ways of coming up with business models that are more cost effective to enhance viability.”
President Mugabe opened Chitungwiza Town Centre in 1990 to cater for a community that for years had relied on doing business in Harare, some 25km away.
The centre now accommodates cross-border buses.
Roadport Chitungwiza manager Mr Gift Mupandenyama said, “In terms of walk-in customers seeking our services, there has been a very big improvement.
“Shops are reopening and we would like to believe that by year-end it will be brisk business.”
Mrs Felistus Madzinga, who was doing her grocery shopping at one of the supermarkets at the centre on Wednesday said the increased economic activity in Chitungwiza could only be good news.
“I have not been here for some time. I am surprised there are new shops and many people.”
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