Street view of the HUB from Clarence Drive
“The HUB”, a new building, is currently under construction along Clarence Drive and is the brainchild of enthusiastic and energetic locals Francois Swart and Albie Niemandt who, working in the building environment, started investing in properties around Betty’s Bay from 2008. They moved here permanently in 2014 and from the onset appreciated the remote, rugged beauty and synergy that exists between the close proximity of majestic mountains and the sea.
The opportunity to acquire a business-zoned property close to their home came in 2019. The stand is located on Clarence Drive, close to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, and they saw the possibilities that purchasing commercial land on the newly established Whale Route presented. Being ever mindful of and focused on adding value to the community, they thought of providing an addition to the business centre, catering for the shortage of services in this fast-growing town: shops filled, run, and supplied by locals.
Then, in 2020, the COVID pandemic severely affected many dreams, including theirs, and so the project was put onto the back burner while awaiting more stable times. Fast forward to today….
The changing focus and desperate need for a friendly and inviting shopping complex in Betty’s had became even more relevant to Francois and Albie by 2022. They saw other towns around had some form of CBD, with a good mix of necessities, but here they saw people speeding past without any incentive to stop. Perhaps the stretched-out 14 km length of the town plays a role. However, the necessity for a more balanced variety of shops in the two main village CBDs remained, especially for the increasing number of locals living here permanently. With a renewed leap of faith, they rescued their 2020 plans and dove in.
Construction started in December 2021 on a small, compact set of shops and the plan is to be open by the end of the year. Francois and Albie’s intention is to keep the footprint small, intimate and nestled into the beautiful surroundings.
Street view of the HUB from Clarence Drive – Western approach
There has been an unprecedented interest in shop availability, which took them by surprise. This is proof that the development is in keeping with growing local demands and the ‘scaling down mentality’ that has been a reality since the COVID pandemic struck.
Information is being collected from all interested parties and the plan is to choose wisely to provide a good mix that fits the area and local needs.
For more information email: thehubbettysbay@gmail.com