Good design improves the way people live and a visit to Loch Logan makes even the most everyday purchase an uncommon and pleasurable experience.  The development is rapidly becoming an integral part of the lifestyle of the residents of Bloemfontein.

Bloemfontein has grown considerably in recent years and has become a thriving metropolis with a good quality of life.  It is a judicial capital and the cultural, tertiary educational and shopping hub of the Free State province. 

This 78000 m2 Loch Logan project is now the largest shopping centre in the Free State and northern Cape area.  The development, situated at the corner of Kingsway & Hendry Streets, is adjacent to the city's three rugby and cricket stadiums and diagonally opposite the State Theatre. 

"The Loch Logan developers, the Georgiou Group, have effectively capitalised on the picturesque and conveniently situated site," says BAI Architects.  "They accurately identified a need for a regional shopping centre with state-of-the-art finishes and a comprehensive range of facilities.  The picturesque Loch Logan site is perfectly positioned in the heart of Bloemfontein.  The proximity of sporting and cultural facilities was also an important factor in the decision to further develop the site.  This retail development has helped to make Bloemfontein a desirable tourist, investment and residential destination.  Property prices are maintaining an impressive upward growth," the Architects.

Constructed by Murray and Roberts and managed by SIP project managers in six construction zones and three phases, each zone was a separate building operation with its own equipment and construction teams.  "The sheer size and scope of Loch Logan required the full commitment, co-operation and co-ordination of all of the six zone construction teams to keep on track and on schedule."

"Loch Logan has been a very exciting project.  The developers wanted an externalised waterfront development combined with a multi-level internalised mall and a multi-storey parkade.  Our challenge was to develop their brief into sound workable solutions to maximise the available space and make full use of the position and attractiveness of the site while maintaining their original design intent.  Phase 3 is now complete and Loch Logan is a full regional shopping centre.

"We have designed the structural elements of the three phases to facilitate good articulation and to create movement and a feeling of connectivity between malls and the external elements.  With Phase 3 completed, the complex now has 65300 m2 retail space, with a 70% national tenancy and an array of retail, restaurant and entertainment facilities to satisfy an exceptionally diverse range of consumer tastes and expectations."

The final R350-million phase has added 60 000m2 to the complex and the phase included the upgrade and development of an excellent parking system incorporating a multi-storey parkade built to access all the levels of the complex and capable of holding approximately 2500 vehicles.  The new parking is located between the sports stadiums and Loch Logan.

Focal to the development is a triple volume atrium at the main entrance which contains water features and glass enclosed elevators affording views in all directions.

"The high grade finishes throughout Loch Logan have added to the internal aesthetics and complement the external aesthetics."

Each mall has representation from major national chains.  The lowest level is anchored by Pick 'n Pay Supermarket, with Edgars, Woolworths, Stuttafords, Truworths, Foschini, Mr. Price and others located on the two levels above.  The third floor banking level overlooks Loch Logan.

The existing waterfront promenade accesses the glazed plaza and the Pick 'n Pay from the ground floor through steps and ramps in a cafe pavement style area, with extensive seating under tree canopies.

"The cinema component and restaurants that overlook Loch Logan's dam wall feature were also rejuvenated during Phase 3 by integrating a dynamic curved balcony structure supported by massive steel masts.  Two more glazed courts flank this entertainment centre with views of the water."

An integrated environmental management plan is creating sustainable biodiversity in the area.  The architects have carefully considered the physical design and the arrangement of the built and natural elements on this spectacular site.  The efficient, aesthetic and ecologically sensitive integration of the built environment with the site's natural features have produced a sensitive design and site plan which enhances and improves the natural environment and the enjoyment of that environment from both the internal and external areas of the centre.