THE City of Bulawayo has received more than 300 Expressions of Interest (EOIs), including submissions from regional and diaspora investors, for developments on the vast tract of prime commercial land along the George Avenue Corridor.
This comes as the local authority moves to operationalise its Corridor Local Development Plan (LDP) and unlock new investment opportunities.
The overwhelming response follows the municipality’s January call for EOIs for land earmarked for development in Suburbs, Selbourne Park and Barham Green.
The month-long window closed on 13 February.
The city council is targeting high-value local, regional and international investors to lead the development of a five-star hotel, two medical suites, townhouses and office parks, among other projects, in a move expected to transform one of Bulawayo’s major gateways.
Bulawayo has a long-standing shortage of hotel accommodation — particularly five star facilities — a gap that becomes more evident during major conferences, exhibitions and business events.
The proposed hotel is therefore expected to address this deficit while strengthening the city’s capacity to host high-profile regional and international gatherings.
Development Bank of Zimbabwe
This development drive follows the gazetting of Local Development Plan Number 19 last year, which paved the way for the conversion of traditional low-density suburbs such as Suburbs, Kumalo and Parklands into mixed use-investment zones.
The shift reflects emerging urban trends, with several companies and organisations already relocating from the central business district to suburban areas. Institutions such as World Vision, the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), NGOs and car dealerships are now operating from Suburbs and Kumalo, signalling a growing commercial migration.
Most of the available land lies along the George Avenue Corridor in Suburbs, with additional investment sites targeted in Selbourne Park and Barham Green.
Proposed commercial uses include pharmacies, health and beauty shops, banks, car hire services, showrooms, cinemas, food courts and restaurants, homeware and interior design stores, indoor gaming facilities, medical suites and office parks. The local authority is also open to proposals for boutiques, confectioneries, gift shops and jewellery stores.
City of Bulawayo economic development officer Mr Kholisani Moyo said the response exceeded expectations.
“The level of investor engagement we have witnessed is highly encouraging. Receiving over 300 Expressions of Interest, including those from regional partners and members of the diaspora, signals growing confidence in Bulawayo’s future as an investment-ready City,” said Mr Moyo.
Some of the prospective investors are from Bulawayo, while others are based in Botswana, South Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The local authority’s marketing and investment promotion officer, Mr Bukhosi Mpofu, said the strong investor interest shows the market recognises Bulawayo’s evolving economic role.
“The absence of sufficient five-star facilities has long represented a structural gap. The interest we are seeing demonstrates that investors recognise both the demand and the long-term value proposition. Well-planned commercial developments typically generate ripple effects across construction, transport, retail, professional services, and supply chains.
“During the construction phase, projects create employment opportunities for engineers, contractors, artisans, and service providers. Once operational, they contribute to permanent job creation, expanded Municipal revenues, and increased commercial density,” said Mr Mpofu.
The city is now evaluating the applications to ensure that shortlisted candidates demonstrate the required financial and technical capacity, in line with Bulawayo’s urban development guidelines.
The assessment process will consider architectural quality, environmental responsibility and seamless integration with existing infrastructure to ensure new developments enhance the George Avenue Corridor.-herald
