around the spine , which would be able to trade late at night and which would benefit from the safety and security offered by the high concentration of residential units which overlook the spine . Currently , one apartment block is under construction , with work on three more blocks likely to start within the next year .
Tenant Mix The shopping centre comprises two major food anchors and two major clothing anchors and all the major nationals make up 70 % of tenants . However , the developers have come up with a unique way of accommodating the large numbers of local traders interested in locating here – borrowing from the eastern souk concept , with small stalls accommodated within an enclosed market – like precinct .
The shopping centre has been given a distinct Moroccan theming . This is derived from the fact that the immediate vicinity in which it is located has a large Muslim community , with established outlets trading in eastern spices , fabrics and food .
The Moroccan theme is expressed externally in the forms of the portes-cochères with their arched openings , the palm lined avenues and lantern-like structures which pop out of the roof and provide lighting to the interior .
Internally , the vaulted shape of the mall ceiling , the use of colour , lattice elements , large scale flower pots and , in particular , tiling patterns , draw directly from Moroccan precedents .
The Moroccan theme will be reinforced by the apartment blocks which will be constructed to the west of the shopping malls – with names like Marrakesh , Casablanca and Rabat and Andalucia .
Introduction The Athlone Business Syndicate ( ABS ), a body of businessmen from the Athlone area , was awarded , on tender , the land parcel on the corner of Vanguard Drive and Heideveld Road , at the Vanguard Drive / N2 intersection . A professional team was brought on board to develop the
148 Vangate Mall