Following its 21st birthday celebration, Gateway Theatre of Shopping on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast has announced a multi-million rand upgrade of the Great Hall around its entrance axis and two adjacent vaulted wings.
The renovations at South Africa’s biggest mall are set to be completed in two phases – one before and one after the festive break.
Gateway developer Old Mutual Properties (OMP) says the mall has seen significant growth, with turnover up more than 21% from the pre-Covid levels of 2019.
“Gateway has proven to be one of the biggest retail success stories in the country. OMP’s bold decision in 1998 to build a super-regional mall in a field of sugarcane came with significant risks,” says OMP chief executive Sakina Norsaka.
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OMP says the mall, which has grown from 118 000m2 to 176 000m2, was designed to open out onto Palm Boulevard and integrate with the evolving Umhlanga New Town precinct.
“The centre continues to consciously dedicate a large portion of its space to entertainment,” it adds.
“This investment in the shopper experience not only introduced the concept of ‘shoppertainment’ to South Africa but also helped build a vibrant tourism industry in the region.”
It notes that the mall currently provides a base for over 7 500 formal jobs including seasonal work, and supports a supply chain that is integral to KZN’s economy.
OMP says Gateway initially opened with 116 tenants and now houses 370 retailers, 54 of which have been trading since the beginning.
“We host many ‘first and only’ stores in KZN and attract desirable international brands,” says Norsaka. “Many of our retailers invest in flagship stores at Gateway and offer an experiential store design.”
The developer says adjustments to the tenant mix and development of new spaces around the mall are key to its performance.
It adds that Gateway has decreased its energy consumption by 30%.
This is in line with OMP’s aim for carbon neutrality within the next 20 years. When replaced, lighting, sanitary ware, escalators, lifts and air conditioning chillers feature upgrades that incorporate the latest technologies and efficiencies.
Norsaka says the mall has set an important example when it comes to growth and retail innovation, and by investing in sustainability, social inclusion, and community.
“Our successes are our retailers’, entrepreneurs’, suppliers’ and partners’ success too.
“We aim to create sustained outcomes that drive growth, whilst strengthening our environment and the communities of which we are a part.”
Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.
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