The Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Joburg, is undergoing a facelift that will bring a bigger, better shopping experience to the suburb as part of Divercity’s urban development plan. Atterbury’s development manager Gerhard van der Westhuizen gives an update.
The Pan Africa Shopping Centre is a landmark in Alexandra; how did it become part of the portfolio?
The original mall was actually the first commercial development undertaken by Tebogo Mogashoa, now our Divercity partner and chairman of Talis Property Fund. He will tell you that it was a challenging project for its era – it was around 2003 – and it resulted in response to the needs of the taxi industry and the community of Alexandra. At that stage retail development in townships was in its infancy, and it required a paradigm shift from tenants, retailers as well as commercial banks. The mall eventually opened for trade in 2009, so after a decade it is indeed ready to expand to service the rapidly growing community to maximum effect.
What other retail options are there in Alex currently?
There are numerous free-standing retailers in the area as well as informal “spaza” shops. Alex Mall, a 30 000 sqm centre, has been operational since 2017 and there is also Alex Plaza which is anchored by Shoprite.
How big was the mall before work started, and what was identified as the main additions that were deemed necessary?
Currently the shopping centre is around 15 500 sqm. It will almost double, to 28 000 sqm, after the expansion and redevelopment. In terms of what’s new, we’re adding a bigger fashion offering by introducing a few exciting new fashion brands.
Take us through the expansion – can you quantify the number of new shops?
Yes, we will add around 40 new names and brands and some of the existing tenants will expand. We are adding around 12 500 sqm, so shoppers will have a much richer experience.
Is there a high demand for the extra space?
The demand is very strong, yes. As it stands today, the retailers in the centre are trading exceptionally well. What the expansion will do, is to strengthen the offering in the mall, and many retailers that are not currently represented here know this, and have indicated that they also want in.
Are the same anchor tenants remaining, or have new ones been added?
The same ones will remain, namely PicknPay, Mr Price and Truworths, but mostly in new positions and in brand-new refurbished stores. Having said that, some new ones will also be added, which includes a second supermarket, to be announced shortly.
When will the work on the project start? What are the timelines, and when can Alex’s shoppers expect it to be complete?
The project is scheduled to start in August 2019 and will be executed over three main phases, each of which will be launched separately. All the work should be complete by April 2022.
In your opinion, what is the highlight of the expansion?
“Expansion” really says it all – we take on these projects because we see an opportunity to expand and/or strengthen our assets. But it doesn’t stop there: expansions such as this one automatically strengthen our retailers’ operations. It is thus a win-win scenario for everyone: us, our partners, the tenants and ultimately the community.
Will the development create jobs in the area?
This project will certainly create a number of temporary and permanent job opportunities. We will be working very closely with the local authorities and community.
How do prospective tenants find out more about opportunities in the mall?
Interested parties are welcome to contact our leasing team, Johan Roets or Stewart Steyn, at 012 471-1600.
