The firm’s R230-million contract entailed a major facelift and expansion for this Zululand shopping centre, which is now the 11th largest in the country. Situated adjacent to the Umhlatuze Civic Centre, the landmark shopping centre was originally built by Grinaker-LTA Building East. Its new look and extensions are aimed at meeting the growing demand in the area for upmarket shopping facilities.

“With a smart new look, an enticing list of tenants and 42 000m2 of extensions, which include 17 000m2 of secure basement parking, Zululand shoppers are more likely to shop at home now,” comments Grinaker-LTA Building’s Zululand area manager Elvin Venter.

Challenges for the contractor on this project included the removal of a section of the mall roof and replacement with a more aesthetically pleasing roof profile while exposing the operational malls to the unpredictable Zululand weather conditions, he reports.

The Boardwalk’s upgrade and expansion created significant employment opportunities in the area, with local labour, suppliers and sub-contractors supported wherever possible. “Grinaker-LTA engaged 40 labour-only sub-contractors, including Scribante Readymix, which supplied 20 000m3 of concrete, and Brik-Kudu, which supplied approximately 4.5 million bricks. As safety is of paramount importance on a site of this nature, a local scaffolding erector, Kuleka Scaffolding, was also engaged in order to maintain safety standards,” Venter says. “The bulk external earth works were carried out by Leomat and roads and paving by Stedone, both of which are direct sub-contractors.”