Diepkloof Soweto gets a new community shopping centre

Artist impression of Diepkloof Square community shopping centre

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Situated in the heart of one of the most affluent areas in Soweto, Diepkloof Square community shopping centre is set to transform convenient shopping for this community when it opens in October 2012.

The 16,108sqm community centre will be anchored by Pick n Pay in a 3,112sqm store and feature some 40 shops, generous parking and excellent access to public transport with an adjacent existing taxi rank.

Diepkloof Square is being developed by McCormick Property Development who have pioneered retail development within the South African emerging market since 1983 with 49 completed developments to its name to date. McCormick has partnered with the Shanduka Group a leading African black owned and managed investment holding company for the development of Diepkloof Square.

The Leasing of Diepkloof Square is being done by Retail Network Services - a full-service specialist retail leasing company with successes the likes of Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra, Edendale Mall in Pietermaritzburg, Mdantsane City in East London, Tsakane Mall in Springs and Jabulani Mall in Soweto to its name.

The construction of Diepkloof Square commenced in December 2011.

“Diepkloof Square will be the ideal convenient retail destination for residents of the area. It will compliment the surrounding community facilities, which are already well established and supported,” says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services.  

Located in Diepkloof Extension 3, with excellent visibility and access from the main arterial road serving Diepkloof, Immink Road, and with close proximity to the N1 Highway, Diepkloof Square is positioned in an exciting setting within a growing community.

“Diepkloof is a community that is showing steady growth and attracting an increasing number of middle-class and aspirant residents,” explains Tagg. “The suburb is characterised by strong community facilities including a school, clinic, taxi rank, Post Office and Community Hall, all which serve to create a vibrant node for its residents and, importantly, form a natural retail node.”

At the core of all these activities, Diepkloof Square will provide quality retail in a smart, modern setting – giving residents and passing trade easy access to convenience shopping.

“Knowing that Diepkloof Extension is one of the wealthiest township suburbs in the country, we realised that our design and tenant offering had to go above and beyond traditional centre offerings. As such we have put a lot of emphasis into the covered food court area that will provide a meeting place of relevance for the community. Furthermore the tenant mix was chosen to further mirror the up-market nature of the development, whilst still offering a large array of grocery and food stores to cater across income groups. It is about creating a shared space that provides more than simple goods and services, but a “town square feel” that will further engender a sense of community for the Diepkloof residents,” says Jason McCormick, MD of developer McCormick Property Development.

“Diepkloof Square is set to become the dominant retail node within the Diepkloof area and its surrounding suburbs,” says Tagg.

“Diepkloof Square will ultimately feature a line-up of leading retailers which appeal to everyday needs of the growing local market, serving residents, pedestrians, commuters and those using public transport with equal ease and relevance,” explains Tagg.

Already, it is receiving strong retailer support.

In addition to Pick n Pay, retailers including Ellerines, Bears, OK Furniture, Geen & Richards, McDonalds, Steers, Debonairs, Old Mutual, Nedbank, KFC and Cashbuild have identified the centre as providing excellent access to Diepkloof consumer markets.

With research confirming a strong existing customer base which is expected to grow at over 4% a year, it is little wonder that retailers are showing keen interest in Diepkloof Square.