Edendale Mall on track for September opening
The R450-million Edendale Mall, set to open on 29 September 2011, has attracted a line-up of leading retailers to this currently under-serviced node. Described as the only regional shopping centre in the Pietermaritzburg township, the 31520sqm development will have 110 shops.
It will connect with an existing value centre of 6000sqm and incorporate a taxi rank of 8000sqm.
"To-date, the mall is 96% let and the node will offer consumers ample parking and public transport," says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services.
Developed by McCormick Property Development and designed by MDS Architects, the mall will feature a high portion of national retailers serving a broad spectrum of shoppers - all creating an appealing one-stop-shopping experiencing. Anchor tenants Shoprite and Pick n Pay will both trade from shops larger than 3500sqm.
Research undertaken before the development, indicates that the area exceeds the required critical mass of consumers for a regional shopping centre. "It is situated in a densely populated and rapidly growing community of people demanding quality retail and services, who are currently starved of significant retail in the immediate vicinity," says Tagg.
"The mall is surrounded by a number of residential suburbs with high household densities and close to the provincial hospital, railway, schools, university and police station," notes Jason McCormick. "Furthermore, it is located on a road with high traffic volumes, excellent visibility, good access and public transport facilities."
A design highlight is the mall's inviting central entrance inspired by a tree - a point of meeting, socialising, relaxing and refreshment.
Retailers
National retailers include Jet, Mr Price, Truworths, Pep, Ackermans, Identity, Legit, Markhams and Exact. For sports lovers, there will be Total Sports, Edgars Active and Poobie Naidoo. Shanghai Fashion, City Girl, Fashion World, Jealousy, CB Stores, Asmall's, Ideals, M J Fashions, Jam Clothing, Saint Mary, John Craig, Webbers, Wantash Leather Shop, FX, Studio 88, Fashion 4 U, Express and Divine Boutique add to the fashion mix.
Accessories from Becca, jewellery from Sterns and Selgro Jewellers and footwear from Franco Ceccato, Rage, Bata, Sole Base and Dodos will complement the mall's fashion.
Caring for the health and beauty are Clicks, Plessisaer Pharmacy, Dr Bhagwan, Optical Inc, Dynamic Vision, SA Fragrance, Perfect Scents, Imvelo Beauty Salon, Focus Cosmetics, Exclusive Hair, Kinky Hair and La Pearle Hair.
Furniture and decor retailers include Price & Pride, Joshua Doore, Beares, Lewis, Bed King, Morkels Electric Express, OK Furniture, Russels, Ellerines, Rugs Original and Sheet Street.
Vodacom, Cell C, Smart Cell and Sound, Harris Cellular, electronics store Ghetto HiFi, Lock n Key Solutions, Weddings Unlimited, Ony le Edy Internet Café and Postnet, meet speciality retail needs.
Banking and financial services include Absa, Standard, Nedbank, Old Mutual, African Bank, FinBond, SA Multiloan and Capitec Bank, as well as ATMs.
The fast food court, with outdoor seating, features King Pie, Pie City, Old Fashioned Fish and Chips, Debonairs Pizza, Eden Delights, Magnificent Treat, Hungry Lion, Chicken Licken, Spur and Steers. There is also a free-standing McDonald's Drive-Thru at the mall.
It will also feature food specialists Roots Butchery and Miguel's Bakery.
The development of the mall is a catalyst for further growth and development in the area. "The community will benefit from having a mall on their doorstep, creating jobs, having a meeting place, and providing business opportunities in the area," concludes Tagg.
