Bigger is better
HELLO TO AFRICA’S BIGGEST MALL New mall also the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, situated just off the N1 highway to the east of Pretoria, has long been the city’s premier shopping centre.
Established in 1979, the fourlevel complex covers 125 248m2 and offers a wide mix of retail brands, from fashion to electronics and homeware, as well as eateries and family entertainment.
By the end of 2016, at the completion of its R2 billion expansion and refurbishment, 50 000m2 and 200 stores were added. This means Menlyn Park is the largest shopping mall in Africa.
Last week Menlyn Park celebrated the fruits of two years of hard work, hosting a magnificent party to relaunch the popular mall.
“It was wonderful to see the centre in its final splendour, and to begin this new exciting chapter with our tenants, loyal customers and friends,” said Olive Ndebele, general manager of the shopping centre.
The launch party was held in the mall’s Central Park, which is planted with picturesque trees and encircled by trendy restaurants, and is the perfect place to enjoy long, warm summer evenings. Guests were entertained by popular musicians and delectable food from Ocean Basket and Hard Rock Café.
Gauteng transport MEC Dr Ismail Vadi lauded the shopping centre for its integral transport facilities and involvement in the Bus Rapid Transport system to commence early next year.
Malose Kekana, group CEO of Pareto Holdings, the owners of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, thanked everyone for making the 500-store mall – now a one-stop destination for all shopping needs and entertainment for the whole family – into a centre to be proud of, while Ndebele was on hand to share all the milestones that were reached through the redevelopment.
“We’re so excited to have accomplished this momentous task, and to have turned Menlyn Park Shopping Centre into a place to enjoy all year round,” she said.
For the festive season, the mall offers three gift-wrapping stations, with complimentary snacks, and all proceeds go to the Smile Foundation. Shopping hours are 9am to 9pm daily, and 9am to 5pm on public holidays.