JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties has announced a major redevelopment project for Bayside Mall, the Cape Town shopping centre located in the heart of the Table View and Parklands areas.

The R352-million project begins this month and will introduce new retail choices, a revamped food court, improved shopper flows and better access to the centre – all with a refreshed, contemporary look across the mall.

As the mall’s owner-manager, Growthpoint is applying its experience, environmental commitment and hands-on approach, together with significant capital, to ensure the sustainable success of this landmark retail asset.

“We're proud of our significant investment in this node and are actively working on the mall's strategic repositioning,” says Growthpoint asset management: retail head Neil Schloss.

“Bayside Mall will boast a strong national retailer presence, all with their newest formats. Retailer interest is extremely positive, reinforcing our confidence in the project's success. The centre will be anchored by two strong supermarkets and will feature an upgraded layout offering improved accessibility with optimised entry and exit points for both mall and parking areas. We continue to receive an enthusiastic response and interest from all participating retailers,” he adds.

The update responds to significant changes in South Africa’s retail landscape over the past few years, especially shifting shopping trends within the mall’s immediate catchment area, the company outlines.

“Using insights gleaned from customer feedback, we are revitalising our space to create an experience that our customers can enjoy with their families,” says Bayside Mall centre manager Aadilah Ryklief.

The multifaceted development project includes repositioning the main anchor tenant, Checkers, and introducing Shoprite to the tenant mix. Locating each on opposite ends of the centre, like bookends, is expected to provide greater balance to the centre.

These two supermarket anchors are scheduled to welcome shoppers to their new spaces by December.

The project will also introduce more on-grade parking, add new vehicle access and egress points, and provide dedicated parking for taxis to ensure a good flow of all vehicles in the area.

Addressing operational challenges faced by all South African shopping centres and global environmental targets, electricity efficiency and security are key considerations in refreshing Bayside Mall.

The initial project allows for generators enabling the entire centre to be operational during loadshedding, which is the first priority. Growthpoint will also upgrade energy-efficient lighting throughout the mall passages and common areas.

As a second phase, Growthpoint has already embarked on a study to add a significant solar component to the existing solar installation to further assist during loadshedding.

The mall already harvests rainwater and will also use this water-smart system in the project’s new bathrooms. As part of the initiative, Growthpoint’s development team will also endeavour to salvage reusable items, such as taps and sanitaryware, to donate to charities in the community.

The redevelopment will be rolled out in phases over about 18 months to ensure an easy transition for tenants and shoppers alike. Bayside Mall will remain open for trade throughout the redevelopment period and offer shoppers refurbishment specials and activities.