Cradlestone Mall recently won several coveted awards despite the on-going challenges the management team is facing.

Apart from the mall being a constant crime magnet – the latest being the armed robbery at Browns jewellery store – and tenants regularly expressing their concerns about the lack of business, Cradlestone managed to win two awards. These are:

1. The esteemed South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) Innovative Excellence in Retail Property Development Award in Cape Town

2. The Commercial section award of the 9th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy awards, which took place in Berlin, Germany.

The mall, which opened its doors in November 2013, is owned and developed by Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa. It was designed by Bentel & Associates International in Muldersdrift. This project combines innovation and sustainability, showcasing how Saint-Gobain Gyproc’s high performance plasterboard systems and plasters combined with skilled workmanship provide various high-quality, safe, comfortable, modular and sustainable interiors.

The main feature of the shopping mall is the ceiling above the food and entertainment area, which was designed to contour the jagged shape of the armadillo-style roof framed by three-dimensional bulkheads, giving the mall its angular expression.

“It is with great pride that Saint-Gobain Gyproc SA returns from the global awards with a South Africa project as one of the winners. This is testimony to the fact that South Africa is able to compete on a world stage when it comes to the best quality products coupled with a high level of skilled workmanship to produce a world-class masterpiece in construction, such as Cradlestone Mall,” says Evan Lockhart-Barker, General Manager Marketing: Saint-Gobain Gyproc SA.

Andries Schaap, General Manager Investment at Sasol Pension Fund says, “We are delighted that Cradlestone has earned such a prestigious tribute. So much has gone into making Cradlestone a success, starting with a real need for quality retail and the vision to develop a world-class mall inspired by the Cradle. Thousands of people have played a role in conceiving, developing and building Cradlestone. They can be immensely proud of their contribution to the mall and winning this sought-after award.”

But, it isn’t only the architectural appeal that is considered in these awards. Recognition is based on a holistic approach which expects developments to be economically viable, satisfy the needs of the investor and users, be aesthetically appealing and enhance the locality in which they are situated.

The shopper appeal of this award-winning mall lies not only in its design, but in a power-house line up of retailers led by of anchor tenants including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Game with FoodCo, Dion Wired and the Edcon Group, as well as Food Lovers Market, which will open this year.

Its positive reception has also attracted a selection of new stores which have opened in the mall since it was launched, including latest additions Lego, Baby Boom, Isabella’s Food and Cake shop, John Craig and Sunglass Hut. Plus, Dis-Chem and Virgin Active are also set to open at Cradlestone before year-end.

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