Road system upgrade
The Cresta road system upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of February 2014.
In the meantime, shoppers are using the Beyers Naudé Drive, Judges Avenue, Republic and Acacia Road entrances to access the centre.
The closure of Weltevreden Road is enabling construction to proceed. According to the shopping centre’s marketing manager Philisiwe Mtsali, Valley and Weltevreden Roads’ intersection is expected to open on 26 July. “Weltevreden Road from Republic to Valley Road is due to open at the end of November.
“Worst case is the end of February 2014,” Mtsali said.
The project involves the complete revamp of the centre, including the upgrading of all toilets; fixtures and fittings; new bulkheads; new energy-efficient mood lighting; high-tech signage; and advertising.
Mtsali said there will also be a new section of shops on the lower level bridge over Weltevreden Road that will relieve the congestion on the upper level bridge that currently crosses the road.
The shopping centre is required to provide six parking bays per 100m² of gross leasable area, and once the revamp is complete the under-utilised parking to the north of the centre will be used more frequently. “It is important that the shopping centre undergoes a revamp to remain current in a very competitive market. In the medium-to-long term, Cresta hopes to continue to cater to the ever-changing aspirations and needs of the market with a wider fashion and entertainment offering,” added Mtsali.
Ward 98 councillor Graham de Kock said there is good communication between the roads agency and the centre management. With construction being in the third phase of the process he believes that it will be well worth the wait. “I personally appreciate the new traffic circles and the wider access to the parking areas on the eastern side of the mall. I believe that it will ease traffic flow around and under the two halves of the complex.”
