Matlosana Mall's effect 'to be felt far afield'

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JSE-listed Redefine, SA's second-largest property group, is on schedule to open the 65,000m² mall on October 23, bringing a broader variety to shoppers in Klerksdorp and its surrounds in a modern shopping centre.

Redefine Properties owns Matlosana Mall, and Abacus Asset Management is the development and leasing manager.

The mall's retail mix of 145 stores is led by anchor retailers Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Edgars and Foschini. It has fashion, lifestyle and sports retailers, as well as entertainment and restaurants. The centre is about 90% let, and the remaining leases are under negotiation.

Redefine's investment is driving the growth of a vibrant new node, with residential development, convenience and value shopping planned for the area adjacent to the mall.

Redefine's development director, Mike Ruttell, says Matlosana Mall is conveniently placed at the eastern entrance to the town, and is strategically positioned as the catalyst of Klerksdorp's N12 development corridor.

As part of the development, Redefine is constructing two access points from the N12 and an extra, third lane for the highway adjacent to the mall's boundary.

"These access points and roadworks have always formed part of the mall's viability," Ruttell says. "After some initial delays, all approvals were put into place by working closely with Sanral (the South African National Roads Agency), the city and adjacent infrastructure developer Isago."

The two Matlosana Mall highway access points are due for completion shortly before the mall opens. The easy access to the mall also makes it convenient for shoppers from surrounding towns, especially those in the growth node that stretches between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein.

"In addition to making it easy for this community to go shopping ... the infrastructure being created for the mall will make it easier for residents to get where they want to go," says Ruttell.

"We believe the development of Matlosana Mall will have far-reaching positive consequences for the community."

The mall's design also incorporates best-practice green building principles, which are being implemented as far as possible.

This includes the use of energy-efficient lighting.

Matlosana Mall will create about 2,000 temporary jobs during the 19 months of construction, and then 1,500 permanent jobs when the mall opens.

"We're looking forward to Matlosana Mall's grand opening in October," Ruttell says.

"The mall is tailor-made for its growing community, with an excellent location, contemporary design, great retailers and ample parking. Together, these create a new and exciting shopping experience," he says.

The infrastructure being created for the mall will make it easier for residents to get where they want to go.

Source: Business Day