Newly Developed Cradlestone Mall to Open Its Doors in November

Named for its unique location, the newly developed Cradlestone Mall in the heart of Mogale City in Johannesburg’s West Rand – near the world heritage site of the Cradle of Humankind – officially opens its doors on 20 November 2013.

But, its name isn’t the only way this new 76,000sqm mall considers its environment. Its setting-inspired design, upgrade of surrounding roads and 200 specially selected stores that bring fresh shopping and entertainment options to the node are all geared to connect Cradlestone Mall flawlessly with its surroundings and its customers.

Owned and developed by Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa, an excellent location and easy access were top priorities for developing this super-regional mall.

Cradlestone Mall is  situated at the highly accessible intersection of the N14 and R28 highways and the busy Hendrik Potgieter Road.

Andries Schaap, General Manager Investment for Sasol Pension Fund explains that this makes it easy for shoppers from neighbouring Krugersdorp, Roodepoort and Randpark Ridge to get to the mall. It is also well placed for visitors from North-West Province and even cross-border shoppers from Botswana.

To ensure maximum accessibility for shoppers and to benefit residents of the immediate areas, its owners have invested R60 million in improving roads surrounding Cradlestone Mall.

These road improvements include widening Hendrik Potgieter Road leading to the intersection, as well as upgrading the interchange at the corner of Hendrik Potgieter Road and the R28 highway. In addition, a new slip road has been built coming off the N14 from Randburg, which will bring shoppers directly to the lower entrances of the mall.

“Cradlestone Mall enjoys exceptional visibility from these major roads and highways, and we have also worked hard to ensure the mall is easily accessible to shoppers and surrounding traffic flows are good,” says Schaap. The mall offers 4,500 convenient parking bays.

With easy commute times from the north and north-west suburbs, Cradlestone Mall also aims to offer a fresh mix of the latest retail has to offer in a wide variety of shops, restaurants and services.

Serving up food shopping never before seen in South Africa, its anchor tenants include the latest offering from Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers and Game which includes a FoodCo. Food Lovers Market will join this impressive line up in early 2014, as will Dischem.

Anchor retailer Dion Wired will head an unparalleled mix of gadgets, goodies and appliances focused on meeting the needs of the trendy tech-savvy shoppers that define today’s connected consumer with everything from cell phones, computers, gaming, audio-visual and repairs on offer. A full house of major bank branches will also feature at Cradlestone Mall and SterKinekor will offer state-of-the-art movie viewing at its cutting-edge cinemas.

Edcon is also an anchor tenant with a bouquet of its popular brands available throughout the mall. It leads an exciting fashion mix that includes a strong commitment from Cotton On as well as many national fashion retailers, boutiques and independent labels.

Besides reflecting the diverse retail needs of an upmarket and aspirant shopper market, Cradlestone Mall’s design also reflects its unique location. The Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for architects Bentel Associates International to create a sense of place for the mall.

The themes of evolutionary discoveries and stratum from different prehistoric eras are subtly incorporated in the contemporary elements that make up the mall’s facade, floors and roofscapes. This creates a stand-out design that also optimises proven retail flows. A highlight of Cradlestone Mall is its bright, airy food court and entertainment zones, which connect with the outdoors, spilling out onto a vibrant public square and garden.

“Cradlestone Mall is designed to be accessible and connect elegantly on multiple levels: to the region’s rich history, its smart shoppers, the newest retail trends, its immediate physical environment and the latest in technology,” says Schaap.

“When Cradlestone Mall opens on 20 November 2013, it is set to offer a complete and appealing experience for all shoppers whether they’re popping in to the bank, picking up ingredients for dinner, sitting down to a meal, watching a movie or enjoying a day of shopping.”