Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Developers of the R40-million Concordia shopping centre are yet to meet with the Knysna Municipality to discuss a service agreement following a council resolution in April, that the applicant pays development charges in instalments over 24 months and rebates on services for the first three years.

On behalf of developers Variflex, CEO Ian Raubenheimer said they have put forward a proposal to the municipality but are yet to meet with them.

“We are waiting for feedback regarding our proposal,” he said, without speculating whether or not the development will actually go ahead.

The municipality has refused to waive the development charges (augmentation fee) for bulk services or the first three years' rates and taxes as promised by the previous administration.

As a compromise, Knysna council said they would allow the development charges to be paid in instalments over 24 months and agreed to rebates on rates and services over the first three years: 100% rebate in year one, 75% in year two and 50% in the third. After this full rates would be payable.

Councillors agree unanimously that the benefits of a shopping centre for the community of Concordia and Greater Knysna area will be immense, as it will generate hundreds of jobs in the coming years and also boost the local economy.

It would also save struggling residents the taxi fare of going to shop in the Knysna CBD. Shoprite had already committed to be the key tenant at the centre that was due to open in November.

The civil augmentation fees amount to around R980 000. This would increase annually as council approves new tariffs, and would also increase with the inclusion of electricity.

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