A property that appeared to have been abandoned for some years back in Port Harcourt has now become a high-flyer cosmetic plaza.

The reconstructed building situated between the education bus stop and Chisco transport axis of Ikwerre Road with an upsurge of 100 per cent rentage is housing many cosmetic merchants, dealers and companies that are into the trade.

The Tide observed that the said property that used to harbour criminals and other illegal business operators, with shattered windows, doors and cracked walls, beside the ICD Photos Industry, has now been transformed to one of the best property and attractive places to do business in Port Harcourt with adequate armed security operatives.

It was reliably gathered that the idea to reconstruct the property was born out of the high demand for commercial houses, especially within the Ikwerre Road axis where the market forces have put pressure for conversion of residential houses to those of commerce.

The estate consultant on the project, Mr. Bestman Ariobiobara who spoke to The Tide, said the property was almost wasting away, in spite of its potential to generate much revenue in an environment where there is a high demand on commercial accommodation.

He said a building needs to be maintained, even at an advanced stage, otherwise, it will lose its attraction and value, and therefore will not be patronised.

Bestman also explained that the demand and pressure for commercial houses is still expanding and will keep expanding because of increase in business activities within the axis.

Also, the estate agent, Mr. Uche Ejiowhor through whom the rental and tenancy arrangement were made possible said that the property attracted a premium rent because of the facilities, including the armed mobile police men security it provided.

Corlins Walter