WeeklySA_AdminLIFESTYLE: Calvin and Family Group’s planned Wilgepark development in the Free State will combine shopping, housing and hospitality, with up to 2 000 construction jobs and 800 permanent positions projected…
By WSAM Reporter
A R3-billion, mixed-use development in Wilgepark, Harrismith, is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities and open new markets for local businesses as it brings retail, hospitality and housing facilities to the Free State town.
Calvin and Family Group says the project will generate between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs during construction and an estimated 500 to 800 permanent positions once fully operational.
The development reached a milestone with a handover and sod-turning ceremony attended by Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe and Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Mayor Conny Msibi.
It will comprise five components: Waterfront Mall, Waterfall Precinct, The Levels Hotel, The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments. Together, these are intended to serve Harrismith residents, surrounding rural communities and travellers passing through the region.
We want to create an integrated space where people can shop,
work, live and access hospitality services, while opening opportunities for businesses and local communities — Calvin Mathibeli
For group chairman Calvin Mathibeli, who was born and raised in Qwaqwa, the investment represents an opportunity to contribute to the economic development of the region where he grew up.
“Our ambition is to develop more than a mixed-use destination. We want to create an integrated space where people can shop, work, live and access hospitality services, while opening opportunities for businesses and local communities,” Mathibeli said.
“As the project advances, our focus will be on delivering the development in phases and building a destination that contributes to Harrismith’s future.”
Opportunities for local businesses
According to the developer, employment opportunities are anticipated across construction, retail, hospitality, security, property management, maintenance and related services.
The group also expects the project to create opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and small businesses, alongside skills development.
Thebe welcomed the investment’s potential to expand economic opportunities in Maluti-a-Phofung.
“We want to contribute to the long-term development of the Maluti-a-Phofung region by creating opportunities for employment, business growth and investment,” he said.
“The vision is to build a destination that serves the community while positioning Harrismith for greater economic activity.”
Msibi said the development could support local businesses and help residents acquire skills.
“We welcome investments that have the potential to support local businesses, develop skills and contribute to the growth of our communities. We look forward to seeing the project progress and deliver tangible benefits for the people of Maluti-a-Phofung,” she said.
Shopping, hospitality and housing
Waterfront Mall is planned to offer shops, restaurants and everyday services, including dining facilities overlooking the dam.Waterfall Precinct will feature double-storey showrooms aimed at businesses in the automotive, furniture, home interiors and building finishes sectors.
The Levels Hotel will provide accommodation, dining, wellness, wedding and conferencing facilities. The Kraal Estate and The Kraal Apartments will offer residential accommodation, complemented by landscaped spaces and lifestyle amenities.
Harrismith’s position at the junction of the N3 and N5 places it along transport routes connecting Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the wider Free State. The town also serves surrounding agricultural communities and provides access to regional tourism attractions.
Mathibeli said cooperation between investors, municipalities and communities would be important in translating the investment into broader benefits.
“Beyond the infrastructure, we are encouraged by the potential for job creation, opportunities for local suppliers and the growth of businesses that can support the project,” he said.
The group says further details on construction phases, leasing and residential opportunities will be communicated as the development progresses. The release did not provide a construction timetable or completion date.
