An artist’s impression of Natraj Complex
By MARAIA VULA
Lautoka is going through a resurgence in commercial property development.
The latest development is the $2 million Natraj Mall, located at the junction of Natabua and Dhanus Road.
Last month, the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimara, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the $30 million TappooCity Lautoka project at the development site at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Natraj Mall’s architect Ashok Balgovind and Associates said the need to build the property in this area was high as it was now becoming a densely populated district.
Architect Rohitash Balgovind said: “This new mall is about giving back something to the people since the initial proposal was conducted through a survey within the area,” Mr Balgovind said.
“Over the past years there has been a drastic increase in the number of residential properties in the area.
“And with the housing developments and FNU nearby we felt the site was not fitting its purpose,” he said.
“Since it’s close to these amenities the site was yelling out for a supermarket and the people in the area travel long distance to Lautoka city to buy their produce.”
The area is flood-free he added.
Construction time-frame
Recently the company advertised expression of interest advertisement where prospective tenants were invited to register their interests to this new mall.
Mr Balgovind said: “As far as the tenancy finalisation is concerned we are looking at starting work in late January and construction works begins two months later hopefully March 1st.
“Rent price ranges from $1200 to $1500 on the ground floor, first floor $800 to $1000 on the supermarket we’re still negotiating tenancy prices with some supermarket owners also with the service station.
“We are talking to various supermarkets depending on the space they are after as we will tailor make it to their requirements as well as other businesses.”
The investment is expected to be complete within eight to 10 weeks as well as be at par with tenants’ requirements.
Complex features
q Total land area is about 2 acres of land and a car park at the central park of the area.
q Space for six shops on the top and bottom floor, a supermarket, a service station, lube bay, car wash area and vegetable market.
q There is also provision for Chinese and Indian restaurants
q Shop standard size is 86.5 square-metres
q Supermarket varies from 500 to 700 square-metres
q Shop standard size is 86.5 square-metres
q The market currently sits at around 70 square-metres which may expand to a 120 square metres with a number of produce people will sell at the market area
q Currently the service station is about 60 square metres and the lube bay about 30 square-metres