PROJECTVIEW
KWENA SQUARE
Kwena Square is a new retail development designed by SVA International . The 10,000m 2 shopping mall is situated in Little Falls , Wilgeheuwel . Anchored by a Checkers supermarket and liquor store , this open air convenience mall combines both individual brand line shops , national retail tenants , food chains and a freestanding drive-thru . The position on the site sits directly alongside the existing Leroy Merlin and Decathlon stores . Once completed , the two sites will form a new precinct enabling a complete shopping destination . The centre ’ s design inspiration of melodic rippling water and flowing falls comes from its setting at Little Falls . The combination of open air , light and water in a harmonic display of fluidity was of utmost importance to the architects . The corners of the centre stand proud and open themselves up by increasing the scale and volume of the shopfronts as well as the expression of the double volume colonnades . The use of materials such as facebrick , concrete pavers and earthy tones assist with the simplicity and authenticity of natural elements . These materials alongside perforated metallic screens create an interesting use of light diffraction and captivate motion . The name ’ Kwena ’, meaning crocodile in Sesotho , signifies its connection to the nearby river and waterfalls . The resemblance of the protruding brickwork pattern along the façade and detail in the paving is a subtle hint of these crocodile scales and adds to the element of nature .
KENT LA LUCIA
Growthpoint Properties ( JSE : GRT ) is applying its development expertise to unlock sustainable value for La Lucia Mall , one of its core property assets in KwaZulu-Natal and a jewel in the crown of its retail property portfolio in the province .
The site of the upmarket 45,000m 2 La Lucia Mall , which is tailored to serve the local North Durban community , includes a further 14,000m 2 of development potential . Rather than use this bulk to simply expand the mall ’ s footprint , and potentially increase the glut of retail space in one of South Africa ’ s most competitive retail markets , Growthpoint has taken the innovative step of adding apartments and office space to the site while improving and integrating its surrounding amenities . In doing so , this R140 million project is creating South Africa ’ s newest , vibrant mixed-use lifestyle development with La Lucia Mall at its heart .
“ La Lucia Mall has grown , evolved and kept pace with its community for nearly 50 years . With more than 130 international , national and local retail , restaurant and service businesses under one roof , the recently updated mall is the right size for its market . Incorporating more and different uses and experiences into a single destination is definitely the way of the future , and a mixed-use focus is the ideal solution for this property and community ,” says Neil Schloss , Growthpoint ’ s Head of Asset Management : Retail .
Growthpoint is developing the new Kent La Lucia apartments to create a different residential opportunity , especially with the young professional market in mind . It commissioned an in-depth market study for Kent to ensure the one and two-bedroomed apartments are designed , sized , specced and priced for the market . The Kent apartments are being built in a standalone nine-storey building a stone ’ s throw from the mall . Linking the two together is the beautiful public La Lucia Park that the mall manages .
The final element of the La Lucia Mall mixed-use experience - suburban offices and medical suites built above the mall – will follow in due course . The 4,500m 2 of offices , with floor plates of 900m 2 , will accommodate a vibrant multi-tenant environment conveniently close to home , retail , leisure , education and health facilities , well suited for medical , legal , engineering and other professionals .
16 Project Watch