Diepkloof Square on track for October opening

With research confirming a strong existing customer base, which is expected to grow at over 4% a year, retailers are showing keen interest in Diepkloof Square. In addition to Pick n Pay, retailers including Ellerines, Bears, OK Furniture, Geen & Richards, McDonalds, Steers, Debonairs, Old Mutual, Nedbank, KFC and Cashbuild have identified the centre as providing excellent access to Diepkloof consumer markets.

Experienced developer, retail leasing

McCormick Property Development, which has pioneered retail development within the South African emerging market since 1983 with 49 completed developments, is developing Diepkloof Square. It has partnered with the Shanduka Group a leading African black owned and managed investment holding company for the development.

The leasing is being done by Retail Network Services, experienced in such developments such as Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Edendale Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Mdantsane City in East London, Tsakane Mall in Springs and Jabulani Mall in Soweto.

Located in Diepkloof Extension 3, with high visibility and access from the main arterial road serving Diepkloof, Immink Road and with close proximity to the N1 Highway, it is positioned in an exciting setting within a growing community.

"Diepkloof Square will be the ideal convenient retail destination for residents of the area. It will complement the surrounding community facilities, which are already well established and supported," says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services.

"Diepkloof is a community that is showing steady growth and attracting an increasing number of middle-class and aspirant residents. The suburb is characterised by strong community facilities including a school, clinic, taxi rank, post office and community hall, all which serve to create a vibrant node for its residents and, importantly, form a natural retail node."

At the core of all these activities, the shopping centre will provide quality retail in a smart, modern setting - giving residents and passing trade easy access to convenience shopping.

"Knowing that Diepkloof Extension is one of the wealthiest township suburbs in the country, we realised that our design and tenant offering had to go above and beyond traditional centre offerings. We have put a lot of emphasis into the covered food court area that will provide a meeting place of relevance for the community. Furthermore, the tenant mix was chosen to mirror the up-market nature of the development, whilst still offering a large array of grocery and food stores to cater across income groups. It is about creating a shared space that provides more than simple goods and services, but also a 'town square feel' that will further engender a sense of community for the Diepkloof residents," says Jason McCormick, MD of McCormick Property Development.

"Diepkloof Square will ultimately feature a line-up of leading retailers which appeal to everyday needs of the growing local market, serving residents, pedestrians, commuters and those using public transport with equal ease and relevance," adds Tagg.