300 investors rush for Bulawayo's George Ave corridor

The City of Bulawayo has received more than 300 Expressions of Interest (EOIs), including submissions from regional and diaspora investors, for developments along the prime George Avenue Corridor.

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 and forms part of efforts to operationalise the city's Corridor Local Development Plan (LDP) and unlock new investment opportunities.

The local authority is targeting high-value local, regional and international investors to spearhead major projects including a five-star hotel, two medical suites, townhouses and office parks. Officials say the developments are expected to transform one of Bulawayo's key gateways and reposition the city as a competitive investment destination.

Bulawayo has long struggled with a shortage of hotel accommodation, particularly five-star facilities — a shortfall that becomes pronounced during major conferences, exhibitions and business events. Authorities believe the proposed hotel will help close this gap while strengthening the city's capacity to host high-profile regional and international gatherings.

The development push 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 mirrors evolving urban trends, with a growing number of companies relocating from the central business district to suburban areas. Organisations such as World Vision and the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), along with several non-governmental organisations and car dealerships, are now operating from Suburbs and Kumalo, signalling a broader commercial migration.

Most of the available land lies along the George Avenue Corridor in Suburbs, with additional sites identified 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 city is also open to proposals for boutiques, confectioneries, gift shops and jewellery stores.

City of Bulawayo economic development officer Mr Kholisani Moyo said investor engagement had 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 Moyo.

Some of the prospective investors are based locally, while others are from Botswana, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Marketing and investment promotion officer Mr Bukhosi Mpofu said the strong response reflects recognition of 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," Mpofu said.

He added that during construction, projects would create employment for engineers, contractors, artisans and service providers, while operational phases would contribute to permanent job creation, expanded municipal revenues and increased commercial density.

The city is now evaluating the applications to ensure shortlisted candidates demonstrate the required financial and technical capacity in line with Bulawayo's urban development guidelines. The assessment will also consider architectural quality, environmental sustainability and seamless integration with existing infrastructure to ensure new developments enhance the George Avenue Corridor.