Architect and Builder March/April 2016 | Page 26

Economic and Financial Considerations The fundamental economic consideration for a project of this nature was the determination of the sustainable demand for a proposed retail facility within a specific market area. Market research investigation resulted in primary data gathering actions being carried out to determine aspects such as population, numbers of households (and new growth), income profiles, expenditure across all retail categories and existing retail supply. This sustainable demand resulted in a final tenant mix that accommodates 164 tenants, anchored by Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, 24 Game and Edgars. South Africa’s top national fashion retailers are complimented by international fashion retailers such as H&M, family eateries and fine dining restaurants and retail banks alongside a host of local operators. The market research concluded that the extent of retail demand resulted in a shopping centre of circa 65,000m2 (GLA) which could sustain annual sales of circa R1.6Bn. It was further pointed out in the research that the only other regional centre in the area was neither fulfilling an efficient proximity to market role nor providing an up to date shopping environment. In both instances, Mall of the South was conceptualised to fulfil these roles. Mall of the South