SACSC Awards announced - Cradlestone Mall scoops top award

Cradlestone Mall, Krugersdorp

Cradlestone Mall, designed by architects Bentel Associates International, won the 2014 Spectrum Award for the best overall development. The Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa jointly own the multiple award-winning Cradlestone Mall. It was opened in November 2013 in Krugersdorp, near the Cradle of Humankind UN World Heritage Site.

Winners

• The Pavilion Shopping Centre (Durban) - for the best renovation and expansion
  
• Food Lover's Market at St Georges Mall (Cape Town) - for the best store design
  
• Remos Restaurant at Waterfall Corner shopping centre (Midrand) - for best restaurant design
  
• Virgin Active Alice Lane Health Club (Sandton) - special award for leisure and retail interior

Alice Lane Health Club is owned and developed by a consortium that includes Standard Bank, Pivotal Property Fund and Abland. Dawid Rabie and Philip van der Merwe of Design Line and Tonic designed it. It also received a special commendation from the judges.

Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC, says, "With this year's Congress aptly themed 'Inspire, we are inspired by the winning developments in all categories. Congratulations to the all winners, in particular the overall RDDA Spectrum Award winner Cradlestone Mall. The winners showcase the very best of the South African retail development industry."

The RDDA awards recognise shopping centre and retail development excellence within the South African commercial property industry. New shopping centres and upgrades of existing centres are considered for the awards, in addition to leading edge design of retail stores and restaurants. Nedbank Corporate Property Finance sponsors both the awards and the SACSC Congress.

Frank Berkeley, managing executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, says', "As financier to developers in the retail sector, including some of the largest developments seen to date in South Africa, the company is once again proud to play a role in supporting the sector by recognising the exceptional work that goes into the design and aesthetics of such developments.

"Our sponsorship of the awards is yet another demonstration of our commitment to the industry as it allows us to recognise all aspects of commercial property funding, including design and development. From a personal point of view, it has been pleasing over the years to witness the innovation that goes into retail design and more especially the realisation of such developments from concept to completion. Congratulations and well done to the finalists and the winners on playing your part in taking the industry to greater heights."

Finalists

The finalists in the best renovation and expansion award category included: the V&A Waterfront; Cresta Shopping Centre's Bridgelink project; Waterstone Village; and The Pavilion. Waterstone Village received a special commendation.

Finalists in the best store design were the Cotton On store at the V&A Waterfront; Rain Africa at Gateway Theatre of Shopping; and Hi at Canal Walk Shopping Centre. Finalists Hi and Cotton On also received special commendations.

In restaurant design, the finalists were Nando's at Gateway Theatre of Shopping; Doppio Zero at Cradlestone Mall; and Lucky Bread Company at Brooklyn Mall. Lucky Bread Company got a special commendation in the category.

A panel of recognised and respected retail and property professionals judges the RDDA. They are challenged to select the best-of-the-best from developments of the highest calibre in the South African retail property industry. Key judging criteria include excellence in design; the overall development objective; innovative solutions and sustainability; and the development's response to environment and market.