Cradlestone Mall earns top Retail Centre Development Award

Cradlestone Mall was named the best overall retail development, scooping the coveted 2014 Spectrum Award in the South African Council of Shopping Centre’s (SACSC) annual Retail Development & Design Awards (RDDA).

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Johannesburg’s Cradlestone Mall was named the best overall retail development, scooping the coveted 2014 Spectrum Award in the South African Council of Shopping Centre’s (SACSC) annual Retail Development & Design Awards (RDDA).

Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, the RDDA’s recognise shopping centre and retail development excellence within the South African commercial property industry. New shopping centres and upgrades of existing centres are considered for the awards, in addition to leading edge design of retail stores and restaurants.

The awards were announced recently at the SACSC 18th Annual Congress which took place on the 20th-22nd August in Cape Town in front of more than 1600 delegates attending the shopping centre industry’s premier event.

Together with the 76,000sqm Cradlestone Mall as the overall awards winner, the RDDA category winners included:

•    The Pavilion Shopping Centre (Durban) – for the best renovation and expansion
•    Food Lover's Market at St Georges Mall (Cape Town) – for the best store design
•    Remos Restaurant at Waterfall Corner shopping centre (Midrand) – for best restaurant design
•    Virgin Active Alice Lane Health Club (Sandton) – special award for leisure and retail interior

Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC, says: “With this year’s Congress aptly themed “Inspire”, we are truly inspired by the winning developments in all categories. Congratulations to the all winners, in particular the overall RDDA Spectrum Award winner Cradlestone Mall. The winners showcase the very best of the South African retail development industry.”

Frank Berkeley, Managing Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, says: “As financier to developers in the retail sector, including some of the largest developments seen to date in South Africa, Nedbank Corporate Property Finance is once again proud to play a role in supporting the sector by recognising the exceptional work that goes into the design and aesthetics of such developments.”

He adds: “Our sponsorship of the 2014 Retail Design and Development Awards is yet another demonstration of our commitment to the industry as it allows us to recognise all aspects of commercial property funding, including design and development. From a personal point of view, it has over the years, been pleasing to witness the innovation that goes into retail design and more especially the realisation of such developments from concept to completion. Congratulations and well done to the finalists and the winners on playing your part in taking the industry to greater heights.”

The multiple award-winning Cradlestone Mall is owned jointly by the Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa. It was designed by architects Bentel Associates International and opened in November last year in Krugersdorp, in the heart of Mogale City and near the Cradle of Humankind UN World Heritage Site.

The finalists in the highly contested best renovation and expansion award category included: the V&A Waterfront; Cresta Shopping Centre’s Bridgelink project; Waterstone Village; and, The Pavilion. Waterstone Village received a special commendation, but the Pavilion Shopping Centre’s R228 million expansion undertaken by owners Pareto last year, secured the award.

Together with Food Lover's Market (St Georges Mall) as finalists in the best store design, were the Cotton On store at the V&A Waterfront; Rain Africa at Gateway Theatre of Shopping; and, Hi at Canal Walk Shopping Centre. Finalists Hi and Cotton On also received special commendations.

Remos Restaurant at Waterfall Corner beat other finalists Nandos at Gateway Theatre of Shopping; Doppio Zero at Cradlestone Mall; and, Lucky Bread Company at Brooklyn Mall, to win the best restaurant design award. Lucky Bread Company got a special commendation in the category.

The special award winner for leisure and retail interior, Alice Lane Health Club, is owned and developed by a consortium that includes Standard Bank, Pivotal Property Fund and Abland. It was designed by Dawid Rabie and Philip van der Merwe of Design Line and Tonic. Alice Lane Health Club also received a special commendation from the judges.

The RDDAs are judged by a panel of recognised and respected retail and property professionals. Judges are challenged to select the best-of-the-best from developments of the highest calibre in the South African retail property industry. Key judging criteria include excellence in design; the overall development objective; innovative solutions and sustainability; and, the development’s response to environment and market.