The vision and tenacity of a small yet illustrious group of local businessmen is helping to transform the face of Athlone in the Western Cape. 

Having successfully tendered for the rights to re-develop the site of the old Athlone Golf course in 1999, the Vangate Development Company is making history by developing the largest commercial undertaking in the region - in the very area where its founding members spent their youth and where, in the face of adversity, they have risen to prominent positions.

The R 350m mixed use development - Vangate City - will open in September 2005. Situated just off the N2 midway between Cape Town’s CBD and the Airport, the project will lead to the revitalisation, growth, improved security, and upliftment of the area at large.  As a centre of and for the community, it will draw heavily upon the largely untapped surrounding communities, affording opportunities for job creation and empowerment on an unprecedented scale. 

According to Mustapha Murudker, founding member and Chairman of the Vangate Development Company, roughly 75% of the contractors involved in the construction of the precinct hail from previously disadvantaged communities within the greater Athlone area.

“The Project aims to showcase the will, resolve, and talent of the broad community with a vision to stamping their mark on the new South Africa”, he said.

Vangate City, one of South Africa’s first black owned mixed use developments, will comprise a shopping centre, offices, residential apartments, sports and outdoor facilities.  The recreational element will include an upgrade to the riverine precinct and road infrastructure in excess of R 15m which will further facilitate improved access and mobility within the area.

The Shopping Centre - Vangate Mall - is scheduled to open on 29 September 2005.  Comprising 180 stores over 28000m2 of retail space, it combines a unique North African / Moroccan theme with the highest level of interior and exterior finishes on a par with some of South Africa’s most prestigious retail centres.   

Anchored by some of South Africa’s leading retailers alongside a diversity of independent and specialised traders from the area, this mall will be recognised for its ability to bring together cultures from around the world.  Strong North African styling will blend with contemporary design to create a modern and multicultural African experience.

Existing local retailers – already renowned for their quality and range of unique offerings – will form an essential part of the retail offering, bringing an eclectic mix of home-grown textiles and fabrics, foods and spices, leatherwear and accessories unavailable in the more conventional centres.  

An exciting innovation is the inclusion of a Souk – modelled on a traditional North African market – within the mall itself, providing a unique experience for visitors and a proving ground and empowering opportunity for local budding retailers. 

Abundant on site parking – more than 1500 bays – together with multiple public transport drop-off points and state of the art security will ensure shoppers enjoy unhindered access.  Designated parking for the disabled, pensioners, and mothers with young children have also been allowed for.

The centre will trade from 9am till 9pm 7 days a week, with possible extension till 11pm during the holy month of Ramadhaan.  As an added convenience to our Muslim shoppers, a prayer hall has been included in the centre’s design.

The residential component will come on line in March 2006.  It will comprise one, two, and three bedroom lifestyle apartments priced from R 315 000 inclusive of costs, which will straddle the architecturally designed activity spine of the centre bringing vibrancy and life to the area beyond traditional business hours.  Once again, a combination of state of the art design coupled with the regions unique heritage will create a modern multicultural community-living experience.

The inclusion of a comprehensive sports and recreation centre – comprising fields for soccer and baseball and a club-house – will round off the development as a destination where South Africa’s multiplicity of cultures can meet, live, work, and play in harmony.   

Ends

For further information, please contact Sandy Swift of ESP Retail Marketing on 083 7799538 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.