Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE City of Bulawayo has received more than 300 Expressions of Interest, including from regional and diaspora investors, for investments on the vast tract of prime commercial land along the George Avenue Corridor.
This comes as the local authority moves to operationalise its Corridor Local Development Plan (LDP) and unlock new investment opportunities.
The overwhelming response follows the local authority’s January call for EOIs on the land earmarked for development in Suburbs, Selbourne Park and Barham Green.
The month-long process closed on 13 February.
The city council is targeting high-value local, regional and international investors to spearhead the development of a five-star hotel, two medical suites, townhouses and office parks, among other projects, in a move expected to transform one of Bulawayo’s major gateways.
Bulawayo is currently short of hotel accommodation, particularly five-star facilities, which becomes more evident during major conferences, exhibitions and business events.
The proposed hotel development is therefore expected to address a long-standing infrastructure deficit while strengthening the city’s capacity to host high-profile regional and international gatherings.
The development drive comes after the gazetting of Local Development Plan Number 19 last year, which paved the way for the transformation of traditional low-density suburbs such as Suburbs, Kumalo and Parklands into vibrant mixed-use investment zones.
The shift mirrors changing urban trends, with several companies and organisations already relocating from the central business district to the suburbs.
For instance, institutions such as World Vision, the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), non-governmental organisations and car dealerships are now operating from Suburbs and Kumalo, signalling growing commercial migration.
Most of the available land is located along the George Avenue Corridor in Suburbs, with additional investment sites earmarked in Selbourne Park and Barham Green.
Proposed business and commercial uses include pharmacies, health and beauty shops, banks, car hire services, showrooms, cinemas, food courts and restaurants, homeware and interior design stores, indoor games facilities, medical suites and office parks.
The local authority is also open to proposals for boutiques, confectioneries, gift shops and jewellery stores.
City of Bulawayo economic development officer Mr Kholisani Moyo said the response had surpassed expectations.
“The level of investor engagement we have witnessed is highly encouraging. Receiving over 300 Expressions of Interest, including those from regional partners and members of the diaspora, signals growing confidence in Bulawayo’s future as an investment-ready City,” said Mr Moyo.
Some of the prospective investors are from Bulawayo, while others are drawn from Botswana, South Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The local authority’s marketing and investment promotion officer Mr Bukhosi Mpofu, said the strong investor enthusiasm confirmed market recognition of Bulawayo’s evolving economic role.
“The absence of sufficient five-star facilities has long represented a structural gap. The interest we are seeing demonstrates that investors recognise both the demand and the long-term value proposition.”
“Well-planned commercial developments typically generate ripple effects across construction, transport, retail, professional services, and supply chains.
“During the construction phase, projects create employment opportunities for engineers, contractors, artisans, and service providers. Once operational, they contribute to permanent job creation, expanded Municipal revenues, and increased commercial density,” said Mr Mpofu.
