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5 top features of SA's new biggest mall

Johannesburg – From electric car charge ports to rooftop soccer facilities, Africa's new biggest mall in Tshwane is promising visitors lots of features. 

The redeveloped Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, which opens its doors on Thursday, has a floor space of 177 000m2 and has over 500 stores. Besides the Tshwane area, consumers are expected to come from as far as Nelspruit, Polokwane and Rustenburg.

The two-phase redevelopment project started in April 2014, said Charl Marais, development manager of Pareto Limited which owns Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.

Marais said the mall was unique in terms of mobility and ease of access. It has multiple entries, with access to both the Atterbury and Garsfontein intersections in Pretoria.

Wi-Fi is also available in certain parts of the mall, and in future will be expanded to the rest of the mall.

Marais shared on some of the mall’s other key features:

1. Electric vehicle charge ports and cycle lanes

The mall is the first shopping centre to receive a green building council certification for both its phase one and phase two development.

“This is the first mall to receive both design and built certification in South Africa,” said Marais.

Electrical vehicle charging points are available at the centre as well.

“This is something different to other malls,” said Marais.

There are also cycle lanes and facilities for people to store their bicycles.

The development also has rain harvesting features.

“We harvest rain water and we use that for irrigating our centre,” explained Marais. The mall also has a back-up waster system with a capacity of 1.4m litres to deal with water cuts in the area.

2. VIP Parking

The mall further has VIP parking and concierge services. This includes value-added services such as a car wash and the charging of electrical vehicles. A lounge with Wi-Fi is also available.

“We believe that is unique and it is a trend being followed in Europe,” said Marais.

VIPs included on the mall’s existing database include diplomats in the area. Members of the public who want the “VIP experience” can make prior arrangements, which will come at a charge that is yet to be finalised, he explained.

Marais added that it was like a valet service at an airports.

3. Central park

The central park is the size of a rugby field and is surrounded by restaurants, said Marais.

There are also interactive water features and play areas for children.

There is also a stage for local concerts. It comes with LED screens where soccer and rugby games can be aired, he added.

“The central park is central to the development and gives a park-like feel with trees  and water.”

The mall also has a food court and entertainment area, which was completed as part of phase one of the project.

The central park. (Picture supplied).

4. Rooftop soccer

The mall also has five-aside soccer on its rooftop.

“We are waiting for soccer season to start before it kicks off,” he said.

5. Visitor centre

The welcome centre handles park and ride activities for tourists travelling from long distances. The facilities allow for buses to park and to accommodate people.

 

The mall has over 500 stores and has a floor space of 177 000 m2. (Picture supplied)

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