Bentel Associates International (BAI), architects of the original multiple award-winning Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg, have been retained for the R120 million extension project due for completion in 2006.

The state-of-the-art regional shopping and lifestyle centre is owned by Liberty Group Limited and its extension forms part of the Liberty expansion programme to add further value to one of South Africa’s best performing property portfolios.

Liberty Properties, on behalf of Liberty Group Limited, manages a R12 billion portfolio of 33 strategically located buildings with a total gross leasable area of more than 2.1 million square metres.  The strategically situated Midlands Mall development is Liberty Properties' first major retail development in KwaZulu-Natal.

The original centre opened in late 2003, the year Pietermaritzburg was reinstated as the provincial capital of KwaZulu-Natal and a strong revival of the local economy was emerging.  Since then, the Midlands Mall has become a commanding presence in the regional economy and has significantly contributed to the revitalisation of the Pietermaritzburg area.

“Foot traffic at Liberty Midlands Mall has increased by 14% a year and Liberty properties expects that the Mall expansion will provide a further boost to the development of the regional economy,” says Stephen Roberts, Bentel Associates International’s project director for the retail development.  “The centre has added a new dimension to the area, it has become the focal point of retail activity and entertainment in Pietermaritzburg and the resultant increase in local confidence has provided a fresh impetus for further economic activity and development.

It has been an outstandingly successful mall – after only two years, the expansion has become necessary to meet the phenomenal consumer and retail demand.  Liberty and its management company Investec have taken great care to ensure that the tenant mix is based on the needs of the local community.  Expansion, less than two years later, confirms that turnover growth is expected to continue at its present high levels.”

This regional shopping centre is an enclosed mall, situated on a 41-hectare site with high visibility and direct access to and from the N3.  It currently has a gross leasable area of 39 000m2 and includes retail elements, a food court, cinemas and extensive parking.  Pick 'n Pay Hypermarket and Woolworths are the anchor tenants.  The centre currently attracts 600 000 visitors a month and serves a wide catchment area that extends from Harrismith to Durban and Stanger to Underberg.

The Mall was nominated Commercial Building of the Year at the Building Excellence Awards in April this year.  Roberts says that the highly successful existing architectural style and design elements will be carried through to the extension.  “BAI incorporated elements of the heritage of the Midlands area and local Zulu culture into the design of the mall.” 

Africa and the architecture of the centre are reflected in the Midlands Mall logo.  In the centre is a half-shield shape that reflects the proud traditions of the Kwa Zulu Natal area.  The two spear-like shapes that flank the shield echo the two main areas of the Mall as well as features of the entrances.  Graphic floor patterns reflect aspects of Zulu decorative art and the Food Court is designed in the shape of a giant shield.

The building has a sheet metal roof covering a single floor level.  It forms a convex-barrel vault reminiscent of the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal.  A large skylight forms one of the focal points inside the mall as well as providing extensive natural lighting.

“High quality finishes have been used throughout the mall and these will also be a feature of the new areas,” adds Roberts.

The Mall also has an exceptionally wheelchair-friendly design.  All retail, cinema and restaurant components are on a single plane.  This design element will be maintained in the new wing.

The extensions will add 30 000m2 to the centre with the retail component utilising 13 300m2 of this space.  Edgars, the major anchor tenant in the extension, will utilise 4 500m2.

An exciting aspect of the expansion project is the 12 000m² addition to the Food Court that will accommodate four new restaurants.  The existing Food Court consists mainly of fast food outlets and family restaurants but the extension will feature more sophisticated dining venues.  “The new restaurants will face an inner court with an external element providing indoor and outdoor seating.  A piazza ambience will be created and should prove popular in Pietermaritzburg’s warm climate,” says Roberts.

The total gross leasable area will cover about 56 000m2 when the extensions are completed in September next year.  The design plans of the new extension also feature additional undercover and outdoor parking which will boost the available parking to in excess of 3 000 bays.

An integral part of any successful design is a cognisance of and a respect for the surrounding environment.  The Midlands region of KwaZulu Natal has a rich natural and historical heritage, which includes conservation areas, green belts, hiking trails, public parks, and gardens that are enjoyed by both residents and tourists.

The Midlands Mall is the first retail development to appoint an on-site environmental officer to ensure that adequate attention is given to environmental issues in the surrounding areas.  To build the original mall the Town Bush Stream River had to be diverted and rehabilitated.  The site, originally a quarry, also required rehabilitation of the old quarry faces.  Ongoing conservation and rehabilitation will take place along with the extension of the mall.

Extensive earth works are planned to ensure that stormwater is diverted to the river and that the floodline is adequately maintained.  Indigenous flora and fauna will be reintroduced to the rehabilitated area and the ongoing presence of an environmental officer will ensure that the areas surrounding the mall continue to retain their aesthetics and biodiversity.

An excellent Midlands Mall communication initiative, known as “Update” will continue to keep the local community informed of all developments relating to the design and expansion of the shopping centre.  These include building progress, infrastructure upgrades and changes, environmental issues, new tenants and employment opportunities.

“The expansion is expected to sustain local construction industry jobs and job creation in retail and service sectors will further reduce unemployment in the area,” comments Roberts.

The successful design of this regional shopping centre and its extension will continue to reflect BAI’s design expertise and excellence as the Midlands Mall continues to serve the growing and diverse needs of the wider Pietermaritzburg community.

Ends.

For more information please contact:  

Stephen Roberts – Bentel Associates International
Tel:          (011) 884 7111
Fax:          (011) 884 7110
E-mail:       This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website:      www.bentel.net

Issued by:             Estelle van Staden – FVS Marketing and PR
Cell:          083 267 1669
Tel:           (011) 791-2886
Fax:           (088) 791-2886
E-mail:        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.