I am investigating the opportunity to buy quite a large empty property in a busy commercial area in Gauteng. There is enough space to provide for parking and a nice tea garden/outdoor restaurant as well as a couple of shops on the ground floor. I also believe that if designed correctly, one will be able to let out shops on the second floor. One might even consider to built a third storey to be let out to attorneys, doctors, etc. The problem is, the property is to small to house a Spar, PnP, or SHP. These companies are in any case, already established in buildings close by. If any one can provide me with a rough estimate of current building costs per square metre for a 3-storey shopping/office building in Gauteng, it will help me in my calculations/negotiations/decisions. And, I might end up with a money shortage for the development, so how is your feeling about investing in this project?