Limpopo’s Mall of the North opens in Polokwane

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Mall of the North, Polokwane, is declared officially open by Premier of Limpopo Province Cassel Mathale during the new super-regional shopping centre’s commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony. Mall of the North, Polokwane, is declared officially open by Premier of Limpopo Province Cassel Mathale during the new super-regional shopping centre’s commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony.

The single largest property investment and development in the Limpopo province, Mall of the North, opened recently in Polokwane.

The fully-let 75 000 m2 super-regional Mall of the North is bringing the biggest, most comprehensive selection of first-class shopping to Polokwane where consumers will, for the first time, have over 180 new top-notch shops offering leading fashion, decor, restaurants, services and more, all on their doorstep and in one breathtaking shopping destination, says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan and Gerard Property Development and Investment.

Mall of the North is jointly owned and developed by JSE-listed company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan and Gerard, and the Moolman Group.

“Mall of the North has created a superb new unique retail offering that has previously been lacking in the province. It has opened up Polokwane’s retail horizons and stimulated the local economy.”

Flanagan says that a substantial R85-million of the project value was invested directly with local companies, labour and material suppliers during the construction of the mall. Now that the centre is open, hundreds of permanent and part-time sustainable jobs have been created in the centre.

Mall of the North anchor tenants include massive Pick n Pay and Checkers stores, as well as Edgars, Woolworths and Game, and Ster-Kinekor’s biggest cinema complex in the province with 996 seats in six cinemas with full digital sound, including a 3D cinema.

For many well-known retailers, their opening in Mall of the North marks the first time they are trading in Polokwane, and even in the Limpopo province.

“This is long overdue for the many residents who have over the years had to travel long distances to buy their favourite brands and have access to a good choice,” says Johann Kriek of Resilient. “Mall of the North has more than 20 new national retailers making their debut in the region.”

Kriek says a major benefit of the centre has proven to be its central location and easy access from all areas. Mall of the North is in the highly accessible area of Bendor on the junction of the N1 (eastern bypass of Polokwane) and the R81 Modjajiskloof (Duiwelskloof) Road. The mall will provide easy access to its free parking from the main N1/R81 highway interchange and School Road.

Flanagan says the ground-breaking complex is committed to responsible development, energy efficiency, sustainability and the implementation of green strategies through inspired design, construction and operational practices.

“As developers, it is crucial to ensure that our future brick and mortar assets are environmentally responsible and as energy efficient as possible. It is important that they enhance the localities in which they are situated,” says Flanagan.

“In the case of Mall of the North, it comprises more than 1 550 tons of structural steel, over eight million bricks and 37 000 m3 of concrete – all thoughtfully selected and placed.

“Careful building measures have resulted in the reduction of heat loads, maximisation of natural light and the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials. Environmental, social and economical factors have all been taken into account in the implementation of these strategies.”

“To start with, the use of local labour and materials wherever possible during construction has gone further than boosting the local economy. It has also helped to lower carbon emissions by reducing travel and transport needs,” says Moolman. “Borehole water was used during construction and extensive measures were taken to avoid soil erosion.

“Mall of the North’s design incorporates insulation, white roofing, cavity walls, shading devices, revolving doors and energy efficient glass to help to thermally regulate the building. The lifts have been designed to store kinetic energy, which will be used for regeneration in the event of a power failure. Escalators have motion sensors so they will run more slowly when not in use. Solar geysers, gas systems, natural ventilation systems, metered taps and low flushing mechanisms in bathrooms all contribute to energy saving.

“Indigenous landscaping is used throughout, conserving water, and aloes that were rescued from the site before construction will be returned and re-planted. In addition to using natural light to its maximum capacity throughout the centre, energy efficient globes with circuit timers and solar and motion sensors are used liberally to reduce light pollution.”

Kriek says that to make sure everything runs optimally the entire centre will be monitored by a BMS (Building Management System), with a central network that evaluates energy usage throughout the building.

Mall of the North was officially opened by Limpopo Premier, Cassel Mathale, and the Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Freddy Greaver. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the owners, the professional team, local and provincial government officials and dignitaries, as well as thousands of shoppers.


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