November 6, 2024

Redefine Properties unveils newly expanded Pan Africa Mall

Johannesburg, November 2024 – Redefine Properties, South Africa’s listed real estate investment trust (REIT), has officially opened the newly expanded Pan Africa Mall. The expansion added 9,000sqm of additional retail space, increasing the mall’s total gross lettable area (GLA) to over 25,000sqm. The mall is co-owned by Redefine Properties and Talis Property Fund.

Pan Africa Mall, located in Alexandra, underwent a significant upgrade, offering a wider range of stores and restaurants for the community. The centre now features a new upper-level floor for fashion retailers, including the relocated Mr Price and Ackermans stores, and an extended ground floor, which includes a new Roots Butchery, an expanded Truworths, and an FNB branch. Notable new tenants include W.Edit, Sportscene, Pick n Pay Clothing, Jam Clothing, Hungry Lion, Vision Works, The HUB, Selfast, Nizams, Clothing Junction, and Tekkie Town.

Andrew König, Chief Executive Officer at Redefine, says, “The expansion of Pan Africa Mall is a major milestone for both Redefine and the Alexandra community. By creating opportunities for local businesses and investing in sustainable solutions like solar power, we are contributing to the area’s economic growth while ensuring the centre serves the community for years to come.” The new expansion reflects Redefine’s vision to enhance the retail experience and collaborate with the Alexandra community towards collective growth.

Pan Africa Mall’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials will be improved as the upgrade incorporates full back-up power and water – including the exploration of sinking a borehole, a R12.2 million solar photovoltaic (PV) system with an 851kWp capacity, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting and water efficient toilets. Including these ESG measures into the centre’s operations is vital to Redefine’s commitment to sustainability, enhancing customer loyalty, and future-proofing the shopping area, helping the community it serves.

Tebogo Mogashoa, Chairman of Talis Property Fund, adds, “As investors deeply committed to Alexandra, Talis Property Fund sees this expansion as more than just retail growth – it’s an investment in the social fabric and economic future of the area.

“We have seen how the Pan Africa Mall has evolved into a welcoming space that fosters strong community connections, where families, small businesses, and social partners come together. Building on a foundation of trust, our partnerships remain instrumental in creating lasting value, reflecting the strength of collaboration in stimulating local economic development.

“We’re grateful to our social partners who have played a central role in helping us realise this vision.”

In a pioneering initiative, the centre was the first of its kind in South Africa built with fully integrated public transport, which includes a 50,000sqm taxi facility. Street hawkers are now being offered permanent stalls – managed by the Alexandra Taxi Association. Redefine is committed to growing smaller businesses and improving the area for customers.

“This project is about more than just expanding a shopping centre. It is about empowering local businesses and driving urban renewal in Alexandra. Redefine is committed to creating lasting value for the community and shaping a sustainable future for South African cities,” König concludes.

Growthpoint unveils second development phase for Cape Town’s Arterial Industrial Estate

85% of the first phase is already let with keen demand for this prime location

Construction of the new Arterial Industrial Estate in Cape Town is steaming ahead, with Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) having moved into phase two of the world-class development.

Arterial Industrial Estate is a development by Growthpoint on a 71,656sqm site in the heart of Blackheath, a growing and modernising industrial node in Cape Town.

After phenomenal success with phase one, during which national and international tenants snapped up 85% of available space, Growthpoint has launched phase two of the Arterial Industrial Estate development.

Growthpoint’s decision is in response to growing demand for space — as seen in four out of five industrial units released in the first phase of the new development, which commenced construction in July 2023 and was completed in April 2024, already being taken up by tenants. Only a single unit of 3,503sqm, perfect for light industrial businesses, remains in the phase.

The first phase of Arterial Industrial Estate spans 19,741sqm, originally featuring six warehouse units, each with a two-storey office block. Jotun, a leading decorative paints and coatings manufacturer, was among the first to secure space at Arterial Industrial Estate, opting to combine two units for its new and larger head office premises of 5,713sqm. Other tenants with facilities at Arterial Industrial Estate include well-known logistics companies Nexus Fulfilment and RTT, as well as leading tyre distributor ATT Auto Truck & Tyres.

Growthpoint has started phase two of construction, which will add 21,840sqm of lettable space, more than doubling the size of Arterial Industrial Estate. This second phase will add a further six warehouse units, ranging from 2,945sqm to 5,713sqm, enhancing the estate’s capacity to cater to diverse business needs. Arterial Industrial Estate Phase Two will be ready for occupation from March 2025.

Timothy Irvine, Growthpoint’s National Client Experience and Western Cape Asset Manager, says the new phase of the development is already seeing great interest from potential tenants. “The demand for space at Arterial Industrial Estate is unsurprising, considering the development’s central and attractive location and the steady demand for industrial space currently being experienced in Cape Town.”

Arterial Industrial Estate is close to Cape Town International Airport, public transport nodes, and arterial routes important for South Africa’s economic activity. The estate is close to the R300, N1, and N2, with prominent visibility along the Stellenbosch Arterial Road highlighting its effortless link to the winelands.

Irvine says Arterial Industrial Estate’s proximity to arterial roads, and the country’s air and sea ports network, makes it a sought-after physical address in Cape Town. “Businesses situated at this prime location can efficiently connect with both local and global markets.”

Growthpoint’s experience in logistics and industrial property investment and development enhances the experience for existing and would-be tenants at Arterial Industrial Estate. The estate boasts 24-hour security and access control, flexibly sized warehouse and office space, and measures for efficient water and energy use. Phase one of the Arterial Industrial Estate has seen the installation of solar panels, which is set to help tenants secure sustainable energy.

The estate has achieved a 4-Star Green Star certification in the industrial property category from the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is aligned with Growthpoint’s goal of making its vast portfolio of properties environmentally sustainable. Growthpoint’s climate commitment target is being carbon neutral by 2050. Its sustainable business practices help tenant businesses towards their own ESG goals and support long-term cost savings for its clients.