Johannesburg - The R1.3 billion Cradlestone Mall, located in the Mogale City municipality on the West Rand in the vicinity of the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site, opened its doors to shoppers yesterday.
Owned and developed by Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa, it has about 200 stores ranging from retail to leisure and is set to become one of South Africa’s pre-eminent shopping destinations.
Located at the intersection of the N14/R28 highways and busy Hendrik Potgieter Road, west of Johannesburg, the 76 000m2 mall was built by Aveng Grinaker.
Andries Schaap, the general manager of investment at Sasol Pension Fund, said major retailers were quick to seize the opportunity presented by Cradlestone Mall, which was positioned to attract middle- to high-income shoppers from neighbouring Krugersdorp, Roodepoort and Randpark Ridge, as well as shoppers from North West province and Botswana.
The owners have invested R60 million in improving the roads surrounding Cradlestone Mall. These improvements included widening the section of Hendrik Potgieter Road that leads to the intersection and upgrading the interchange at the corner of Hendrik Potgieter Road and the R28 highway.
A new slip road was built coming off the N14 from Randburg to bring shoppers directly to the lower entrances of the mall, which has 4 500 parking bays.
Cradlestone Mall’s anchor tenants feature the latest concept Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers and Game stores, with a Food Lover’s Market and Dischem joining the mix early next year.
The anchor tenants are complemented by Dion Wired, the Edcon Group, Milady’s, Truworths, Jay Jays, Gap and Gap Kids, YDE, Soviet and Hush Puppies plus a line-up of boutiques and independent fashion labels.
Australian label Cotton On has opened its largest store in South Africa, which at 1 400m2 is larger than its flagship Sandton City store.
Outdoor and sports enthusiasts are catered for by Cape Union Mart, Due South, Total Sports and Mr Price Sports.
The mall has a wide variety of fast food and restaurant options. Ster-Kinekor cinemas will add to the total shopping experience.
Jan Loubser, of architects Bentel Associates International, said the Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for the design concept. The Earth’s primordial layering was replicated in the floors, ceilings and façade elements. - Business Report