Signage at Riverside Shopping Centre has
been kept monochromatic for an elegant and
understated look.
Construction Challenges
The design challenge centred on finding ways to
retain what customers loved about the building while
creating a contemporary new look. “It can be quite
a balancing act to make changes without going too
far and losing the essence of the space, all the while
keeping an eye on the developer’s budget.”
Refurbishing a trading shopping centre will always
have its trials and there are bound to be some surprises
on an existing building. There were some disruptions
for the tenants and shoppers during the construction
phase. Woolworths suspended trading for a time to
complete its refurbishment and extension – only the
second time it has done so in South Africa.
A New Classic
The wider walkway in the existing centre, coupled
with white bulkheads, LED cove lights and elegant
signage have created a new feel at Riverside. The
existing shopfronts feature more glazing. “By pulling
the bulkheads back and introducing cutouts to the
upper level, the existing shopfronts were modernised.
The main walkway was widened by pulling back
the line of the shopfront bulkheads, thus giving the
appearance of more space and light. The original
shopfronts have been transformed into boxes which
protrude into the walkway. We have maximised light,
which always feels luxurious,” explains Pearce.
Since the revamped Riverside Shopping Centre
was completed late in 2015, it continues to enjoy great
support from local shoppers. Its tenant mix features
national stores such as Woolworths and passionate
owner-run businesses, from the Fruit & Veg store to
the Riverside Bistro. Certain key tenants were located
to the upper level to create a destination of similar
offerings. The stores include a hair salon, make-up
Riverside
studio and laser therapy. The upper ground floor has
been designated as the health and beauty section
of the centre.
Many of the existing tenants used the opportunity
to create new looks for their stores to take advantage
of the ambience of the square. In addition, shoppers
are taking advantage of the larger revamped
Woolworths store with its composite timber deck,
which relates beautifully to the square in Riverside
Shopping Centre.
The Moolman Group made the decision to install
a 126KWP solar PV Installation to the rooftop of the
centre. The installation was completed in Feb 2016
and supplements the Johannesburg City Power
supply with green energy.
Conclusion
The new-look Riverside Shopping Centre is a true
case of the ugly duckling becoming a swan and has
managed to achieve the precise balance between
contemporary design and a cosy, village feel.
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