For the first time in the region consumers will 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.

Mall of the North is jointly owned and developed by JSE-listed company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group and was officially opened by Premier of Limpopo Mr Cassel Mathale together with Executive Mayor of Polokwane Mr Freddy Greaver.

“Mall of the North has created a superb new unique retail offering that has previously been lacking in the province.” says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard. “Mall of the North has opened up the retail horizons of Polokwane and stimulated the local economy.”

Flanagan points out that a substantial R85-million of the project value was invested directly with local companies, labour and material suppliers during the construction of Mall of the North. “Now that the centre is open, hundreds of permanent and part-time jobs within the centre have been created on a sustainable basis”.

Anchor tenants include massive Pick n Pay and Checkers stores, together with the very latest concepts from, Edgars, Woolworths and Game, as well as a Ster-Kinekor’s biggest cinema complex in the province with 996 seats in six state-of-the-art 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 within the Limpopo province.

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

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

An extensive selection of 23 restaurants, fast food stores, coffee shops and cafes on its menu.“Mall of the North features top retailers, phenomenal restaurants and entertainment within an exceptional environment with all amenities that any shopper may need,” says Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group. “It is set to become not only the premier shopping destination, but the perfect meeting place,” says Moolman. We are excited that opening day is finally here and look forward to being a valuable part of this great community which has encouraged and supported Mall of the North every step of the way.”

While Mall of the North is set to dazzle both locals and visitors from far and wide, there is much more to the ground-breaking development than first meets the eye. Look a little closer and you will see Mall of the North’s commitment to responsible development, energy efficiency, sustainability and the implementation of green strategies is evident in the mall’s inspired design, construction and operational practices.

“As a developer, 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 of more than 1,550 tons of structural steel, over 8-million bricks and 37,000 cubic metres 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 transportation needs,” points out Moolman. He notes that during construction borehole water was used and extensive measures were taken to avoid soil erosion.

Mall of the North’s design has incorporated 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, effectively running slower 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 prior to construction will also be returned 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 explains that, making sure that everything runs optimally, the entire centre will be monitored by a BMS (Building Management System), which comprises a central network that evaluates energy usage throughout the building.

“Our vision was to create the highest quality retail property which would offer an exceptional overall shopping experience which would become a real asset to its community,” says Kriek. “Mall of the North is set to become synonymous with shopping in Limpopo.”