Development Comparisons From being a stand-alone development in the open during the ‘ 70 ’ s , the project is now surrounded and supported by an active retail node , comprising amongst other features :
• Commercial office developments ;
• Motor vehicle showrooms and related trading outlets ;
• Service orientated developments such as banks ;
• A large value-orientated shopping complex , owned by Old Mutual Properties , known as Menlyn Retail Park . Since completion , further office and retail developments have been added which will strengthen the Menlyn Node as a retail destination . The old Menlyn Park was classified as a regional centre ; the newly completed Menlyn can now be termed a Super Regional Centre . The old centre was built as a plastered brick box , finished in textured beige-brown paint with some animation at the entrances in the form of double volume glass canopies . The most visible feature was the 7-storey office block on the north east corner of the complex .
The potential for development was identified in the early 90 ’ s , and by 1996 a re-zoning application was prepared and eventually approved by the local council , after intensive market and traffic studies had been conducted . The approved rights increased the existing Gross Lettable Area ( GLA ) from 60,000m 2 to 105,000m 2 .
Concept Design & Development As a living and functioning shopping centre , it was clear from the outset that any redevelopment would have to take place while the centre remained fully operational . Although this did not inhibit the concept designers , who were accustomed to working under these conditions , it did make for some very challenging phasing and programming during the construction phase .
Old Mutual Properties were looking for a fresh , state-of-the-art , cutting edge shopping centre , with the emphasis on “ Shoppertainment ”, where a visit to the centre would include a lifestyle entertainment experience . The concept , on this scale , was new to the country , although several recently completed centres have included facets of “ Shoppertainment ” in their designs . The shopping centre has become the family entertainment centre , as cinemas and restaurants proliferate and the whole family has places of interest to visit .
The new Menlyn Park portrays a highly thematic and experimental design , complemented by bold , bright colours full of “ razzmatazz ”. A variety of patterns celebrate the ambience of Africa and graphics and signage invite people into the centre for fun , entertainment and excitement . A bright , bold new logo , changed malls , entrances , entertainers and other amenities , together with lush landscaping , conspire to encourage visitors to make use of all the facilities available .
Menlyn Park 55