It will provide quality retail in a smart, modern setting, giving residents easy access to tailor-made convenience shopping. The 16 108 sqm centre is anchored by Pick n Pay in a 3112 sqm store and features some 50 shops, including a 1720 sqm Food Lover's Market.
"This is a really exciting project," says Food Lover's Market group property and business development manager, Graeme Liebenberg. "Diepkloof holds a special place in the heart of many South Africans. It was one of the earliest communities in Soweto and many influential South Africans live, have lived or passed through this suburb. We see tremendous opportunities for the company in areas that have not previously experienced the 'theatre' we create. It is not only what we offer our customers but also how we offer it to them. We tailor our retail offering to the customer in each area and this store is no exception."
The centre is developed by McCormick Property Development, which pioneered retail development in South Africa's emerging markets since 1983 with 49 completed developments to date. For the development, McCormick partnered with leading African black-owned and -managed investment holding company, Shanduka Group.
"The centre gives meticulous attention to top design, apt retailer mix and the daily shopping needs of one of the wealthiest township suburbs in the country," says Jason McCormick, MD of developer McCormick Property Development.
Highlighting its thoughtful design, he points to the covered food court as a vibrant space for the community. "This is more than a shopping centre, it's a town square - a place to meet and share a sense of community."
Leasing is handled by Retail Network Services - a full-service specialist retail leasing company with successes such as Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Tsakane Mall in Springs and Protea Glen Shopping Centre and Jabulani Mall in Soweto.
Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services says the concept of quality and community also reflects in the retailer mix. "The shops and services mirror its upmarket setting. Yet they still offer a large assortment of grocery and food stores to cater across income groups. It features an array of leading retailers, which appeal to everyday needs of this growing local market," explains Tagg.
In an area previously underserviced by shopping, retailers have lined up to satisfy the area's consumer needs. Its retail mix also includes Ellerines, Beares, OK Furniture, JD Group, McDonalds, King Pie, Steers, Debonairs, KFC, Old Mutual, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Cashbuild, Roots, Vodacom, Pep, Modjo Hair, Randcon Paints and Diepkloof Medical Centre.
With its prime location, modern design, exciting retail mix and unmatched local shopping experience, the centre also offers parking and access to public transport with an adjacent existing taxi rank.
"Diepkloof is a strong community with ample amenities which creates a vibrant node for its residents and, importantly, form a natural retail node. It is attracting an increasing number of middle-class and aspirant residents. The centre is set to become the dominant retail node within the Diepkloof area and its surrounding suburbs," concludes Tagg.
