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Durbans Pavilion Shopping Centre is getting a R228 million makeover and expansion with further mega investments on the cards.
The landmark The Pavilion shopping centre in Westville is set to get a R228 million make-over and expansion with further mega-investments on the cards as part of an ambitious three-phase “redevelopment” plan.
Property giant Pareto, which owns the shopping centre, said the project would be managed by Motseng Project Management.
Speaking to The Mercury yesterday, Dewald van Staden, managing director of Motseng Project Management, said the redevelopment would be spread over several years and see the centre get a contemporary new look and expand beyond 120 000m2 in retail space.
The investment of R228m was the first part of “much bigger plans” to be rolled out over three phases.
He declined to comment on the investment cost or scale of the overall plans, saying they were being finalised and needed to be formally approved by Pareto.
“We don’t want to give too much away and create expectations too early, but are delighted to announce the investment of R228m in the initial phase of the Pavilion upgrade and expansion. This phase lays the foundation for exciting future re-development. We are looking at a mixed-use nodal development to include new commercial components such as offices, a hotel and further entertainment facilities,” said van Staden.
An artists impression of what the cinema level at the Pavilion will look like when the first phase of the redevelopment is complete next year.
A greater retail mix, improved access, additional parking and a host of other amenities, including family enter-|tainment, were part of the plan.
The overall development would include further infrastructure upgrades for the node and integrated transport facilities.
“On completion visitors and shoppers will experience a world-class retail and entertainment centre with upgraded amenities, with phase one having commenced in May and completion set for March 2014,” he added.
The project followed investments of R25m to repaint the centre last year and R112m now being spent on a new, more energy-efficient air-conditioning system.
The Pavilion’s redevelopment comes as the centre faces ever-increasing competition from several new shopping centres in its primary and secondary catchment areas.
New centres that have opened recently include the Westwood Mall, Galleria and Harbour Crossing. The development is also seen as a “defensive move” against a new regional shopping centre and urban precinct on the cards for Shongweni, which is being driven by Tongaat Hulett Developments.
Anton Dekker, the Pavilions general manager, said the overall redevelopment would help cement its position as one of the top six super regional shopping centres in the country.
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Van Staden conceded that new centres were having an impact on The Pavilion, but said as a “super regional centre” it remained popular.
He said reinvestment and expansion were part of the defence of its position.
Marius Muller, the chief executive of Pareto, said:
“The project is in line with our vision to create sustainable projects within our property portfolio, as well as taking into account the economic development in the Durban west area and beyond.”
The Pavilion’s general manager, Anton Dekker, said it was firmly established as one of South Africa’s most successful shopping destinations and was marking its 20-year milestone this year.
“The redevelopment will help cement its position as one of the top six super regional shopping centres in the country,” he said.
“Phase one includes an extensive refurbishment of the Via Pareto mall, a new food court and the building of four state-of-the-art cinemas as part of the overhaul of the Nu Metro cinema complex.
“There will also be new concept-style tenants and a reconfiguration of existing tenants to facilitate visitor access, in addition to upgrades to restrooms.”
Newly signed tenants for the initial development phase included Grill House, Galaxy Bingo and Boost Juice.
Other new retail and food offerings were being negotiated to add to the centre’s 240 existing tenants.
Praneel Nundkumar, who is the operations chief of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the large influx of infrastructure spending for the area was “sure to have positive economic spin-offs”.
