Mall wets its roof

Ronica Inarman, was announced as the general manager of the R650 million convenient and up-market Westwood Mall at the official roof wetting ceremony on Wednesday 9 July.

The long awaited 35 000 square meter shopping centre near the N2 and Ml3 in Westville, developed by Retail Africa, is poised to establish itself as an indulgent retail experience for discerning customers. Owners, developers, eThekweni dignitaries, retailers, the project team and media gathered to initiate the countdown to opening day.

Thursday 25 September this year. The media were first taken on an informative tour for a sneak preview of what is to come. let by Angus Mackay, Chairman of Retail Africa. Together with architects, Boogertman and Partners. They then joined the deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, other city dignitaries and special guests for a cocktail party.

During the site tour, the media were familiarised with the modern contemporary architectural theme with finishes in natural materials such as wood, stone and ample natural light filtering through cutouts in the slab, creating an integrated double volume space.

The brand theme, the local Coral Tree flower, will be cleverly incorporated throughout the centre once the structure is complete.

Customers can look forward to new stores, including the first-ever Lillywhites and Promod in KwaZulu-Natal. The centre will be anchored by Pick n Pay. Woolworths, DisChem, Edgars and Ackermans and complimented by 145 retailers which include several popular fashion stores, special interest and boutique outlets, gourmet eateries, Standard Bank and First National Bank.

Mackay said: "We have succeeded in not only building a beautiful 35 000 square meter centre, but one with ample parking on three levels as well as easy access to major road networks".

The new shopping centre is the retail component of Westwood Estate, a large residential development. The combined development is said to bring a Rl.3 billion investment to the region, by creating thousands of temporary and ongoing employment opportunities.

Millions will be spent on infrastructure development and upgrades, such as roads and telecommunications, while remaining environmentally sensitive through the retention and rehabilitation of a green belt.