“It is hoped to start construction within the next month to ensure completion of the redevelopment by October 2005,” said Brent Wiltshire, retail property executive of Old Mutual Properties. The redevelopment will be undertaken by Old Mutual Properties. 

“We expect the redevelopment to provide a substantial boost to the local economy. Jobs will be created in the short term in the construction phase among contractors and sub contractors and in the building supply industry and in the longer term by the retailers who will be opening stores in the expanded centre.”

Wiltshire said that the total rentable area of Riverside Mall, which celebrates its sixth birthday this month, will increase from 36 287m² to 49 529m².

“This will see the addition of a 3 642m ² Checkers and 3 559m² Edgars serving as anchor tenants in a ground floor extension along with a Truworths emporium, Mr Price Weekend, @ Home, Young Designers Emporium, and several line shops. Truworths and Mr Price will substantially expand their trading areas. 

“The Pick ‘n Pay store, which has twice won the award of best performing supermarket within the Old Mutual retail property portfolio, will be expanded by 1 282m². Several of the smaller national retailers also require expansion. “

There will also be a new entrance to Woolworths and the parking will be extended to provide a total of 2 823 bays.

Wiltshire said the redevelopment would entrench Riverside Mall as the premier shopping centre in Mpumalanga, with the newcomers to the centre adding to an already strong tenant mix.

”The building programme will be tackled in such a way as to ensure that it is business as usual for our existing retailers and their customers visiting Riverside Mall. Our aim is to ensure a minimum of inconvenience during the construction phase.