RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS: WINNER
Ballito Junction, Ballito
Ballito Junction opened in March 2017. It has extended
an existing 12,000m 2 shopping centre, growing it by
almost eight times its original size while offering simple,
uncluttered and calming aesthetics.
Ballito Junction is now a regional shopping centre
which offers 80,000m 2 GLA. The three-level centre
posed a number of design challenges, particularly given
that it needed to tie in to an existing shopping centre,
Ballito Junction.
From Ballito Drive, you only see one level but the
building is 35m high at the back (the equivalent of around
6 storeys in height). The design pays homage to the ocean
and the architects have also been careful to design in such
a way that guests experience a number of inter-connecting
spaces to layer their experience.
In addition to the planned extension, the owners
extended the mall further during the construction phase
in response to retailer demand. It now features six anchor
retailers and a diverse mix of over 200 shops, restaurants,
and services. Its location off the major N2 highway gives
Ballito Junction ease of access from its immediate vicinity
as well as to its north and south, and even inland. Bringing
the two buildings together posed quite a design challenge.
This was solved by giving the existing centre a facelift
and viewing it as a themed area that attaches itself to
the new building.
Ballito Junction’s existing and well-loved piazza area
with Mediterranean flair was retained and a second piazza
was added to the new building. Five levels of parking
lead straight into the three malls and the centre features
a truck tunnel right at the bottom of the building so that
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no deliveries take place in a public interface but instead
through a series of lifts and staircases concealed from
the general public.
The old and new are brought together through the
top level mall, creating a physical pedestrian link. Parking
levels between the two buildings are connected at the
upper and middle level malls, which assists with the
accessibility and efficiency of the design. One of Ballito’s
most appealing features is its outdoor lifestyle on account
of its great climate and beachfront. Inspired by the ocean
and seaside living, the design of the mall gives a nod to
the area and lifestyle.
Owners & Development Managers:
Flanagan & Gerard;
Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings
Architects: MDS Architecture;
Boogertman + Partners
Quantity Surveyor: NWS Quantity Surveyors
Civil & Structural Engineer: L & S Consulting
Electrical Engineer: Rawlins Wales
Mechanical Engineer: Q-Mech
Wet Services: Sutherland Engineers
Fire Consultant: Specialised Fire Technology
Traffic Engineer: Royal HaskoningDHV
Time Management: Orion Project Managers
Lighting Consultant:
Pamboukian Lightdesign
Leasing Agent:
Flanagan & Gerard Property Consultants
Main Contractor: WBHO Construction
SAPOA Awards