Takealot takes occupation on its new flagship collection facility in Cape Town

Architectural rendering of the Takealot distribution centre in Richmond-Park, Cape Town.

Takealot, South Africa's online retail giant, recently opened its flagship collection facility situated at Richmond Park — a brand-new multi-billion rand mixed-use development in Cape Town.

Developed by Atterbury, a real estate development company, the new pick-up point spreads across 1,550m2 of floor space and is equipped with technological advancements that offer customers a seamless collection experience.

The adjoining warehouse is 4,611m2 large, with an additional office on 569m2 floor space with bolstered distribution centre technology and innovation.

The distribution centre is designed for sustainability and will feature a dedicated solar PV installation, energy-efficient lighting systems, rainwater harvesting and water-saving xeriscape landscaping.

The cross-dock facility will provide clear racking height of up to 18 metres and specialised floors.

Shoppers can now collect their packages from a customer-facing area with the help of warehouse transport and delivery systems using automated guided vehicles (AGV).

The guided vehicles are said to have only ever been used in non-consumer-facing environments across the world and are, for the first time, delivering parcels into customers' hands at the Richmond Park collection point.

Richmond Park is an 84ha site that is part of a milestone land restitution settlement. The land is owned by the Richmond Park Communal Property Association (CPA) – a group of 401 families representing 5,300 people spanning five generations – who were forcibly removed from it between 1972 and 1984.