25 November 2021 marks the grand opening of the newly revamped Jakaranda Centre located in Rietfontein, Pretoria. The aim of the redevelopment project is to re-establish the iconic Jakaranda Centre as the “Trusted Retail Centre of Choice” for the region’s local community, as well as boost socio-economic growth by the expansion of the shopping centre’s Gross Leasable Area (GLA) and other opportunities for business development.
The majestic Jakaranda Centre (“the Centre) has a rich heritage within the Moot community, as well as the broader Rietfontein district and surrounding areas. Having first opened its doors in the 1970s, the shopping centre has been servicing the community for over 40 years, and the building itself is seen as a historic landmark of the area. In addition to serving as a place of entertainment and convenient shopping for the residents of Rietfontein and its surrounds, the businesses operating in the Centre provide invaluable employment opportunities and economic growth potential for the local community.
The Centre’s impressive legacy includes introducing the first-ever Pick n Pay store to the area and boasts decades of being the go-to shopping destination for the region. The revamp is an opportunity for the mall to become even more accessible, convenient and appealing to both its long term, loyal patrons; as well as to new residents to the area and the younger consumer demographic.
The 3-year long redevelopment project took into account various factors, such as aesthetic appeal, customer experience, community lifestyle needs, ease of access (such as improved pedestrian access, revamped parking areas and a taxi drop-off point), sustainability (including the use of natural light, controlled natural airflow and solar electricity) and other socio-economic and environmental concerns.
Shoppers can look forward to a range of existing and brand-new tenants at the new modernised retail and lifestyle hub. Shops and amenities include: the Gym Company, Mr Price and Mr Price Home, The Bed Shop, Panarottis Pizza, Dischem Pharmacy, PEP Home, King Pie, Spur Steak Ranch, Ackermans, several additional speciality stores and a food court. The main anchor tenant remains Pick n Pay, with the retailer occupying a newly remodelled, larger store. Its offering will expand to include Pick n Pay Liquor and Pick n Pay Clothing stores.
Centre Management of Jakaranda Centre expressed their excitement about the launch of the mall, stating that: “This project can be seen as the culmination of years of relentless determination to deliver the Rietfontein community and surrounds more choices, more experiences and more memories for decades to come at Jakaranda Centre”.
As a community-based brand, centre management also calls for the local community to join in the festivities at the grand opening on 25 November. The celebrations include a range of giveaways on the day, as well as an online #HeartOfTheMoot competition where patrons can share their photos, experiences and memories of Jakaranda Centre to stand a chance to win prizes to the value of R2 500.
