The R500 million shopping centre, funded by Investec Private Banking, took the main contractor WBHO 14 months to complete on schedule. The Rodrigues Group developed the centre and Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment are the appointed development and leasing managers.
"The centre is designed to provide convenient, quality shopping with a vibrant new tenant mix. It creates a setting that is both exciting and relevant to its location and market," says owner Martin Rodrigues, of the Rodrigues Group.
With good visibility and access from William Nicol Drive, the niche community shopping centre gains maximum benefit from its location. It is well placed to serve local residents, nearby office users and is a smart shopping stop for the many commuters who use this busy arterial. Spread over two levels, the centre offers parking on both.
"This is all in step with its unique retail," explains Patrick Flanagan from Flanagan & Gerard. "The centre opted for handpicked retailers and restaurateurs that epitomise quality and personal service".
Its food convenience offerings star a 3200sqm new Woolworths' concept store with the largest food market in its history, a 3600sqm Checkers tailor-made for the local market and a 2500sqm Food Lovers Market.
The exterior of centre is designed to be a tree-lined street creating a dining avenue with Tashas, Col'Cacchio, Red Rabbit, Fego, Fishmonger, Food Lovers Café, Woolworths Café and Turn and Tender.
It features more than a dozen home, decor and furniture shops, inspired by styles from around the world.
Handpicked shopping ranges from Superdry, Samsonite and Sowearto to le Creuset, Body Shop and Pimlico, with big-name retail such as Cape Union Mart, Dion Wired, Dis-Chem, Exclusive Books and Incredible Connection. Full banking is available from Nedbank, FNB and Standard Bank and Absa ATMs.
MDS Architecture designed a modern innovative building, which combines style and function at an effective and elegant level.
It also uses environmentally responsible practices. Natural light is used to maximum effect, creating a bright, fresh atmosphere that is also environmentally progressive and cost-effective to run. Natural ventilation and the use of glass for heating and cooling increase the centre's energy efficiency.
"It is rewarding to bring this project to a successful completion and to create a property that is an asset to the communities it serves. It will provide a fresh and positive shopping experience that makes life a little more convenient and stylish," says Rodrigues.
