Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2015 | Page 49

Brett. “This required cutting through the existing structure and disrupting the parking flow, but it was worthwhile to ensure that the previously dark mall would be awash with natural light.” The light colour palette reflected in porcelain tiles with inlays form a neutral backdrop for raised ceilings in the mall, including raised shop front heights. The ceiling design was developed to tier upwards and includes elegant curves to emphasise the arc of the mall and maintain flow around the bends. “There are no dead ends, which gives great exposure to all the tenants in Rosebankmall, as shoppers are enticed to explore further along the mall to take advantage of the full retail offering. After all, this is why people enter a shopping centre in the first place,” comments Pat. Tenants Trading throughout the construction period was an imperative of the project, but this was not without pain for shoppers, tenants and the landlord alike. Stuttafords and Pick ‘n Pay, the original anchors, were retained and Edgars was introduced as an anchor tenant with a store size of 6,000m2. Woolworths was relocated from elsewhere in the precinct and its footprint increased to 8,000m2. Dischem and Clicks also increased the size of their stores. New stores were introduced including a number of new international brands which had not previously opened stores in South Africa, such as TM Lewin, River Island, Lipsy, Salsa and Celio. Rosebankmall Complexities The Mall is made up of four levels, with a significant level difference from the street level at the highest point. The resultant design links Sturdee Avenue, Baker Street and Cradock Avenue across a fall of 12m and shoppers can enter the shopping centre by