R920 Million redevelopment set to ‘modernise’ Rosebank Mall

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An illustration of Rosebank Mall. On completion of the project Rosebank Mall will boast approximately 160 stores to dominate the retail landscape in the busy Rosebank node. An illustration of Rosebank Mall. On completion of the project Rosebank Mall will boast approximately 160 stores to dominate the retail landscape in the busy Rosebank node.

Rosebank Mall’s R920 million facelift is expected to provide shoppers a “modern refreshed look and feel” and double its size to 62 000 m² of lettable area.

JSE listed retail-focused fund, Hyprop Investments [JSE:HYP] recently launched the R920 million redevelopment and extension of the Rosebank Mall formerly The Mall of Rosebank.

Construction on the 25 month project commenced in August 2012 and is expected to complete by September 2014.

Hyprop CEO Pieter Prinsloo added the start of construction marked the first step in the company’s largest development undertaking to date.

“The mall will still trade throughout the construction period with new retail sections being smoothly phased in from as early as the second quarter of 2013,” he noted.

On completion of the project Rosebank Mall will boast approximately 160 stores to dominate the retail landscape in the busy Rosebank node. Prinsloo highlights that a number of well-known local and international brands are already secured. “Supporting local brands is also key to Hyprop’s tenant-mix strategy for Rosebank Mall,” he adds. “The right blend of global brands and popular local retailers will ensure that the mall caters to a wide range of shoppers, increasing its reach and appeal.”

Exciting new tenants include top retailers and anchor tenants such as a full line Woolworths Platinum store, a double level Edgars department store, Dis-Chem, Mr Price Sports and Jet. Existing tenants including Stuttafords, Truworths, Mr Price, Queenspark and Foschini will all be upgraded or expanded to offer the latest new store concepts and merchandise. Other new boutique offerings include Pringle, Ben Sherman, Kurt Geiger and Earthchild.

In addition to adding substantial new retail space the centre will be completely refurbished with new lifts, escalators, ablutions, floor tiles, ceilings, lighting and shopfronts. “Our shoppers will also be happy to note that both the African Craft Market and the popular Sunday Rooftop Market will continue to operate during construction and will be incorporated into the new development,” says Prinsloo.

The new-look centre is designed along an oval ‘racetrack’ format, ensuring seamless integration between all areas and levels. Further the mall will span Bath Avenue and link to the former Gardens site. Five new basement parking levels will be constructed here and will be accessible via both Sturdee and Bath Avenues for increased convenience. The existing centre will remain accessible via Baker Street and the entrance adjacent to the Shell Garage on Bath Avenue.

Prinsloo explains that Rosebank is one of the few urban areas in Johannesburg with a strong pedestrian culture and a thriving street life. “We intend capitalising on these characteristics by creating strong physical linkages with the natural urban corridors that connect the lower Rosebank office blocks to the upper retail parts and the Rosebank Gautrain Station.”

Prinsloo concludes: “Rosebank is an integrated urban environment offering visitors a unique ‘live, work, play’ experience. We are confident that the new Rosebank Mall will leverage this to realise major benefits for tenants and shoppers, as well as Hyprop’s unitholders, in line with our strategy of growing existing investments.”

The redevelopment would also connect to the new Southern Sun hotel, 54 on Bath, as well as create a north-south pedestrian walkway between the Standard Bank development on Baker street and the busy taxi rank on Cradock avenue.


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