Spire acquires management contract in Mount Edgecombe

© Michal Bednarek – 123RF.com

The centre is situated on the corner of the R102 and Hillmead Drive in Phoenix, Mount Edgecombe.

"Hands on professional property management is essential, particularly in retail property," says Sean Paul, executive director of Spire Property Management. "I also feel that Spire's focus on private clients meets a much needed gap in the industry. We offer a niche, personalised property management service that focuses on our ethos of 'Your Building, Our Baby'."

Mount Edgecombe Plaza is 13,000m² in size and is anchored by Shoprite Checkers. The location of the centre is prime and it furnishes the needs of surrounding areas such as Phoenix, Mount Edgecombe, Mount Maria, Umhlanga, Broadlands and South Gate. Other national tenants within the centre include Pep, Midas, Nando's, Debonairs, the SA Post Office, Nedbank, Wakefields and several ATM's.

Ample parking

"Mount Edgecombe Plaza enjoys limited vacancies as there is ample, free, parking available for customers and the centre is surrounded by local residential and commercial properties, which provides a continuous footfall for the retailers within the centre," says Paul. "Although we have inherited a few vacancies within the centre we are confident that these will soon be tenanted."

According to Paul, property managers are of vital importance to private retail property owners and should be intricately involved in the tenants businesses and understand what the tenants need to succeed. "They should be a positive source of encouragement and knowledge to the smaller line shops and a provider of value added service to the national stores.

"These times call for managers to watch costs closely whilst ensuring the tenants concerns are heard by the landlord. This is a juggling act which requires skill and empathy and is essential for the long term success of the centre. Buildings do not operate and thrive in isolation - in addition to good relationships with the tenants, it is also essential to build relationships with the surrounding community.

"We believe that experienced property managers add tremendous value, and play a critical role in the efficient and effective management of quality property assets," concludes Paul.