tiling , feature columns and precast concrete finishes with inscribed graphics and poetry related to the central theme . The theme has been utilised to enhance a sense of locale and community and to engender local pride in the Square . The exterior of the building is decorated with graphic panels featuring the handprints of Gugulethu schoolchildren , local artwork and community messages .
Gugulethu Square offers a varied broaderbased retail , dining and entertainment facility , thereby retaining valuable local consumer spend in the area . The surrounding areas such as Heideveld , Manenberg and Philippi will also benefit .
Design Brief “ Part of the design brief was the requirement of top quality finishes so that Gugulethu Square could compete on an equal footing with other major shopping centres ,” explains Roberts . “ The Square has the shopping options and the look and feel of other large upmarket malls . The developers hope that valuable catchment area spend will be retained in the area .” natural stone , a roof parking deck over the central block with shuttered concrete and suspended decorative bulkheads and lighting . Eyebrow canopies extend around the entire building , creating relief from the concrete and each large entrance is identified with different colour tiling .”
“ The innovatively designed roof parking deck can be converted into a temporary outdoor venue with views of Gugulethu and Table Mountain . The developers are talking to various interested parties about the possibility of regular community events on the roof deck ,” says Sean Friend - Portfolio Manager of the IDEAS Fund , Old Mutual Investment Group .
The architects have ensured that the interests of the population of Gugulethu have been thoroughly considered . The Square has been designed with a direct connection to a wellorganised pre-existing taxi rank that forms part of the development and is situated between the
Buildings The shopping centre consists of three blocks , each anchored by national tenants Shoprite , Spar and Cashbuild . Letting has been brisk and tenants include Jet , Ackermans , Pep , Identity , Truworths , Exact , Fashion Express , Legit , Mr Price , Foschini , Markhams , Total Sport , Capitec , FNB , Nedbank , KFC , Nandos , Spur and Ellerines . The developers have allocated 3,000m ” ( 12 %) of the GLA for small traders to ensure the tenant mix includes local entrepreneurs .
“ The external finishes are also high quality and include large buttress columns clad with
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