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MORNING GLEN MALL REFURBISHED
Morning Glen Mall , centrally located in Johannesburg ’ s Gallo Manor , has been reconfigured and refurbished and now offers a contemporary , convenient shopping experience . The refurbishment was designed by MDS Architecture for SA Corporate Real Estate and completed in two phases .
The first phase was completed to accommodate Food Lover ’ s Market moving into the shopping centre as well as the creation of appropriate retail space for hardware specialist Mica in 2017 . Food Lover ’ s Market and the relocated MICA are anchor tenants on the eastern side of the building and served as the catalyst for further development .
The second phase of the project involved a reconfigured mall and entrance off a new parkade , an entertainment node with a viewing deck facing north , new sports and recreation activities and led to much-improved vehicular entrance and exit flow from Bowling and Kelvin Roads . Vertical circulation for shoppers was improved by the addition for two new scenic lifts traversing from the padel courts and parking in the basement of the new parkade to the new restaurants above .
Pierre Lahaye , MDS Architecture ’ s partner heading the project , says that the shopping centre has been repositioned to create a lifestyle destination . The tenant mix and locations aim to increase traffic flow and provide a better energy for strategic tenants . The entrances have been reconfigured to make them more inviting to shoppers . The external façades have been upgraded to create a sense of place on a very prominent intersection . “ From a design point of view , the centre ’ s fresh lease of life was achieved by eliminating any crossover between service and public entrances , reconfiguring the parking and ensuring better views to develop a contemporary shopping centre with energy and vibrancy ,” he says . The parking garage was added to provide ample convenient parking facilities for over 600 cars .
Exterior Presence Crisp white translucent cladding and clean lines draw patrons in towards the two covered entrances at Morning Glen , which provide a sense of arrival and welcoming greenery . The signature curve of the building at the entrance to Food Lover ’ s Market is emphasised by the signage which wraps around the corner using individual letters in the name Morning Glen .
Interior High quality design was an important consideration as were convenience and flow . The spaces were softened through the use of clerestory windows allowing natural light to flow into the interior as well as the introduction of a contemporary mall floor tiling pattern The classic monotone colour combination of white with black and grey accents in the interior provides interest and brings together Morning Glen ’ s visual elements . Bulkheads in organic shapes as well as lighting and colourful pendants hanging from the ceiling provide vertical interest . New shopfronts and bulkheads at various levels provide a much more enticing interior space , which is complemented by new mobiles and furniture .
The repositioned Morning Glen Shopping Centre offers a contemporary shopping experience with a new energy and vibrancy . “ With a focus on quality finishes and experiences , Morning Glen is an asset in the area ,” concludes Lahaye .
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