To be known as Design Square, the R110 million transformation, which commenced in October 2007, is on track to be completed by Atterbury Property in December 2008.

“Not only are we bringing modern new trends and aesthetics to the 15 000m² centre but we have also reviewed the tenant mix and implemented some worthwhile findings,” says James Ehlers of Atterbury Property.  Although 80% of the original tenants remain, in many cases they have been moved and relocated to more appropriate positions within the centre.  In terms of new tenants within Design Square, several in the interior design and food lines such as Vida E, Kaalkop and Baron  have been included in the overall mix.

A better flow of ‘human traffic’ within the centre has been created by shifting the location of escalators, for example.  In addition, all 12 restaurants have been grouped together to make an exclusive and attractive meeting and socializing spot.  The centre will become an open air experience that has enormous appeal in the South African environment with atriums, breezy walkways and fountains.         
“It has been through our experience with developing new centres such as Woodlands, Clearwater and Garden Route Mall that we have been able to introduce successful international shopping trends to older centres such as Design Square,” says Ehlers.  “In addition, by modernizing the look and feel, creating additional parking bays and relocating the loading facilities within the centre, a more customer friendly result will ultimately be achieved.”

And Atterbury Property has risen to the challenge of restricted power supply in the country.  “We were kept informed of the pending power shortage early last year and have subsequently planned all our developments with this in mind.  Design Square will be fully powered with generators so no tenant will ever be left in the dark.” states Ehlers.