The centre , which cost R175m , opened for trading on 29 September 2005 . The most significant impact of the centre for local inhabitants , apart from shopping convenience , has been to improve access between and through neighbourhoods to which Klipfontein Road , Vanguard Drive and the N2 served as barriers .
Design In the design of the centre , and as a requirement of the City , special attention was paid to moving away from the conventional shopping mall model of a large shed-like pavilion structure surrounded by a sea of parking .
Parking has been concentrated on one side only – the eastern Vanguard Drive side - where it has been softened by berms and landscaping , including carefully designed palm tree corridors . The façade facing Vanguard Drive has been carefully detailed – with its 360m of wall carefully
articulated and with emphasis being placed on the two large entrance portes-cochères and the lantern-like light scoops on top of the roof .
The western side of the centre fronts an activity spine which cuts through the centre of the development linking the Vygieskraal River to an existing primary school .
The section of the spine adjacent to the shopping mall is pedestrianised , and the two connect at a point at which the internalised mall food court flows out into a landscaped public square . The latter contains a water feature and is designed to accommodate community events . From the raised platform which affords entrance to the mall , the characteristic Table Mountain backdrop is clearly visible .
The edge to the spine opposite the mall will comprise 4-storey apartment blocks with retail outlets at ground level . Careful consideration has been given to creating a vibrant precinct
Vangate Mall 147