The addition of its third phase, at a cost of R230 million, reportedly makes this the biggest shopping mall in Mpumalanga. This is its second major expansion since it first opened in 2007, adding 25 new shops to meet growing shopper and retailer demand.
With the new extension, it will comprise 70 000sqm of retail. The extension will also strengthen the consumer appeal of the node, as it links the Ridge Casino and Entertainment complex, complete with two hotels. Together they create an 85 000sqm shopping and entertainment centre.
The extension is anchored by a substantial 5500sqm Game store. It will also introduce leading fashion brands from Guess, Forever New, Call it Spring, Fabiani, Levisons, Earthchild and Kurt Geiger, Hi Fi Corp, linen specialist Volpes, Capitec Bank, Vetsmart, Barber SA and Fish 'n Chips Co. Local foodies Stiaan and Odette Herbst will launch Rostveld Coffee - a gourmet coffee shop complete with an on-site roaster - a first for Witbank.
The expansion provides established retailers the opportunity to increase in size, to meet their shoppers' needs. Truworths and Incredible Connection are both growing and @Home will triple in size to become a @HomeLivingSpace concept store.
The final components of the project, including larger stores for Edgars, Jet and Legit, will finish in April 2013.
Johann Kriek, retail director of Resilient Properties says, "With over 7.2 million shoppers last year, the mall is still growing its shopper base and gaining market share in the region. This extension will provide an even more comprehensive and complete shopping experience to Witbank, Mpumalanga and cross-border shoppers."
Paul Gerard of co-developers Flanagan & Gerard adds, "The mall has an enviable trading track record. It is proving highly desirable to retailers seeking to reach its increasingly influential market. While the new extension is already substantially full, the few remaining positions will be carefully matched with retailers that will enhance the mall's comprehensive tenant mix."
