Kwena Square, which gets its name from the Sotho meaning for crocodile, has been launched by Redefine Properties in Little Falls, Roodepoort, endorsed by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse.
Developed at a cost of R200 million, this is a convenience centre with a difference, designed to tastefully showcase the beauty and vibrance of the area, be environmentally friendly and efficiently meet evolving shopper demands.
In addition to the existing Leroy Merlin and Decathlon the centre will house 23 new stores anchored by national retailers like Checkers, Checkers Liquor and Clicks. With this centre a lot of “firsts” have been achieved. Apart from the unique African name, it will be the proud location of the country’s first RocoMamas drive through and will see the inaugural launch of a Little West Packers toy and baby store.
Integration of the local community has been a central driver behind the construction, leasing and provision of business opportunities for local subcontractors. Local tenants showcasing the best SA has to offer include Benitas Food emporium, Neo Vision, My Krafts, Quello, Cassa Nosa, Suggee Bar, Uncle Joe’s florist, and Fresh House.
A standout feature in the build-up to the launch was a completely community-driven project to find the best local talent to develop the unique design of the benches and dustbins to accentuate the mall’s aesthetics, as well as portray the theme of the Square.
The Honourable Mayor also unveiled the benches in a special ceremony, with designer Siviwe Jali from Umugqa Studio, proudly watching his brilliant work being opened to the public for the first time. Siviwe, who was also the finalist in the Nando’s Young Hot Talent 2020 bench design competition, has quickly established a name in the industrial industry and hopes to grow in the retail sphere.
With sustainability high on the agenda for Redefine, an array of rooftop solar panels will generate as much as 40% of the electricity required by the centre, a key feature which will reduce the load on the main grid.
Leon Kok, COO of Redefine Properties says the centre comes just as demand for convenience shopping rises. “The fact that our centre is so aesthetically pleasing is a major plus factor, together with its strong focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG), while offering ease of use, open ventilation and safety. The completion of the project during the pandemic was notable and reflects our commitment and our tenants’ confidence in the project,” says Kok.
