New life for Liberty Mall
In the heart of Welkom's central business district, the owners and managing agents of Liberty Mall are pursuing plans to rejuvenate the centre's appeal in order to enhance the shopping experience, as well as boost traffic to the mall. Key tenants at the mall include Mr Price Weekend Material, Clicks and Clicks Pharmacy, Donna Claire, CNA and a Pep store.
Already implemented from 1 July 2011, the centre management introduced free parking throughout the mall, both for tenants and shoppers. Also proposed are plans to introduce improvements in the area behind the mall, which would include additional public parking in the CBD. However, centre manager, Norma Venter of JHI Properties, says that this is dependent on the outcome of negotiations with the local municipality and with landowners of the properties adjacent to the mall.
"In regard to the mall itself, together with the owners of the centre, we are currently obtaining quotations for various improvements," says Venter.
In addition, JHI Properties, which took over management of the mall in March 2011, has implemented a leasing strategy and is currently in discussion with retailers with regard to the tenant mix, to ensure the correct target market is drawn to the mall.
Says Venter: "With four major taxi ranks situated around the mall and with easy access for pedestrian shoppers and vehicles, the centre attracts solid foot traffic levels."
