Commercial Property News South Africa

Savannah Mall more than doubles in size

Savannah Mall in Polokwane, Limpopo is undergoing a massive extension and renovation project that will take the existing 22 000m² retail space up by 15 000m² at an investment of R350 million.
Savannah Mall more than doubles in size

New tenants include the city's first Dis-Chem, Baby City and Toys R Us retail outlets. In addition, a new stand-alone KFC Drive Thru will provide convenience for the many shoppers and residents in and around the centre. Other additions include Truworths Emporium and Foschini is adding a Markhams & Donna Claire to the tenant mix.

Scheduled to open at the end of October 2010, in time for the busy festive season, the centre is owned by Pietersburg Property Development (Pty) Ltd and leased by Broll Retail. The principal architect for the project is Tjaart van der Walt from LVDW Architects Inc.

Centre Court for promotions

Savannah Mall's new extension includes a triple-volume centre court area, with access from the new roof parking, basement parking and other levels. Ideal for promotions and displays, it will also feature an information kiosk. Two new glass lifts and six new escalators will also link access for the three levels around the centre court and provide for optimal traffic flow.

“The additional space being introduced at Savannah Mall offers retailers superb opportunities. Ideally located in the heart of the community, with a loyal shopper base, strong local retail representation and excellent trading densities, the new look centre ably meets all prospective retailers' requirements. To date, we've had a good response from potential new tenants, and anticipate this will increase as the project nears completion,” says Lizelle Cloete Broll Retail leasing executive.

Architectural features

Across the newly enlarged centre, shoppers can expect to see larger shop fronts, lifted to an impressive 3.35 metre high. This provides retailers with more display space.

Leon Jacobs, design architect from Leon Jacobs Architects for Savannah Mall says, “The newly extended part of the mall will feature finishes that are simple, yet strikingly effective. The centre will be brighter, with special light fittings used in the new extension and later being introduced across the entire building.”

Attention to detail has been key to the project with every individual element given complete attention. This will be reflected in everything from the modern, wooden benches and clear, visible directional signage.

Tiles in the new section will be bolder, yet flow well with tiles used in the original building and these have been specifically selected for their semi-polished qualities, which work well in an area where excessive mine dust can create slippery surfaces. Furthermore, walk-off carpeting at the access points to the mall, provides an anti-dust barrier.

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