All systems go for Matlosana Mall

Roy Cokayne

THE R1 BILLION super-regional Matlosana Mall in Klerksdorp in the North West is on track to open in October.

Owned by JSE-listed Redefine Properties with Abacus Asset Management as the development and leasing managers, it will have 145 stores. Its retail mix will be anchored by Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Edgars and Foschini and will include fashion, lifestyle and sport retailers plus entertainment and restaurants.

It is already about 90 percent let, with the leases for the remaining space in the mall currently under negotiation. The mall will have an estimated completion value of about R1bn.

This investment by Redefine is also driving growth of a vibrant new node, with residential development planned adjacent to the centre, as well as convenience and value shopping.

About 1 500 permanent jobs will be created when the mall opens, which will be in addition to the about 2 000 temporary jobs created during the 19-month construction period.

Mike Ruttell, the development director at Redefine Properties, said that the mall was tailor-made for its growing community, with an excellent location, contemporary design, great retailers and ample parking.

“Together these create a new and exciting shopping experience. At the same time this quality super-regional shopping mall asset is tailored to meet all Redefine’s investment criteria and creates positive social, economic and environmental impacts,” he said.

Ruttell added that the mall’s excellent accessibility from the N12 highway was key to its role as a development catalyst for the area. He said the mall was conveniently located at the eastern entrance to the town and strategically positioned as the catalyst of the N12 development corridor.

As part of the development, Redefine is constructing two access points from the N12 closest to Klerksdorp and an additional third lane for the highway adjacent to the mall’s boundary.

“These access points and roadworks have always formed part of the mall’s viability.”

Ruttell said that after some initial delays, all approvals and wayleaves were put in place by working closely with the SA National Roads Agency, the city and adjacent infrastructure developer Isago.

The two Matlosana Mall highway access points are scheduled to be completed shortly before the mall opens.

The easy access to the mall also makes it convenient for shoppers from surrounding towns.

“In addition to making it easy for this community to go shopping in a modern, quality mall that meets all their retail needs under one roof, the infrastructure being created by the mall will make it easier for residents to get where they want to go.

“We believe the development of Matlosana Mall will have far-reaching positive consequences for the community.”