Videos & Photos: Well-attended mall opening attracts thousands

The highly anticipated, world-class Springs Mall opened its doors on Thursday (March 16).

Giacomo “Jack” D’Arrigo (senior), aided by Patrick Flanagan, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Springs Mall on Thursday morning. The D’Arrigo family and Flanagan & Gerard Properties are two of the owners of the mall. The opening was attended by the entire D’Arrigo family, some of whom are seen observing the ribbon cutting. They are (back, left) Franco D’Arrigo, Giovanni D’Arrigo, Stefano D’Arrigo and Kathy D’Arrigo. In front are Ninette D’Arrigo, Chantel D’Arrigo and Leoni Nel.

Starting around 9.30am, Patrick Flanagan, co-chairman of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment, as well as co-owner of the mall, introduced the Springs-based D’Arrigo family and commended them on their dream coming to life.

The mall’s vision was inspired by the family and, when brought to life, created an influx of opportunities for Springs and its people.

Many mall visitors started gathering to see the official ribbon cutting ceremony take place.

The ribbon cutting, signifying the official opening of the mall, was done by Giacomo ‘Jack’ D’Arrigo (senior), along with Patrick, to loud applause from the audience.

• Read: UPDATE: Springs Mall management comments on robbery, assures residents that safety is top priority

Ward councillor Shadow Shabangu, who has supported the project throughout the building phases, was called on-stage and thanked for his “diligence, hard work and his hand in the development of the mall.”

Car guards Kudakwashe Mutisi (left), Polite Chibangwa and Themba Maulinga are on hand at the Springs Mall to keep your car safe while you shop.

A large number Springsites and visitors from other towns were at the mall early to welcome this new shopping sensation to town.

Gugu Shabangu, and her mother Busi, came all the way from Swaziland to see the opening of the Springs Mall and enjoy the 48 000sqm of fully-let retail space, which allows for an impressive array of shopping choices.

Gugu Shabangu and her mother Busi, came all the way from Swaziland in the early hours of Thursday to see the opening of the Springs Mall.

For the first time, Springs residents can enjoy more than 170 shops, restaurants and other services right on their doorstep.

• Also read: See exciting line-up of the new Springs Mall’s food court

Despite an attempted robbery taking place on the opening day, shoppers were not deterred.

Constables Lettie Hlatshwayo and Ruben Naidoo at the Springs Mall last Thursday checking traffic flow and safety in the parking area.

The ribbon cutting, which took place shortly before the drama, was well-attended and large volumes of visitors continued to arrive throughout the day.

Ward councillor Shadow Shabangu with Patrick Flanagan, co-chair of Flanagan & Gerard Properties who are co-owners of the Springs Mall.

Mall management commended the Springs community’s reaction following the shooting and say it was an amazing ‘human experience’.

Paul Gerard of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and co-owners of the mall, says the mall has created a superb new retail offering, one that was sorely lacking in the town and which stimulated the local economy.

Laurence Rapp, CEO of REIT Vukile Property Fund who co-own the Springs Mall, speaking at the mall’s opening last Thursday.

“We look forward to being a valuable part of this great community which has encouraged and supported Springs Mall every step of the way,” he says.

Mandla Nkomo (left), Lucky Khoza and Moshe Masango were on hand to wash shoppers’ cars while they enjoyed the new mall in Springs last Thursday.

The Springs Mall is a joint venture between Blue Crane Eco Mall (Pty) Ltd, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment, JSE-listed retail REIT Vukile Property Fund and Murinda Investments, which is part of the Guiricich Bros Group.

The D’Arrigo family, who are co-owners of the new Springs Mall at the opening of the mall last Thursday. Seen here are two generations of the family (in front, left) are Giacomo “Jack” D’Arrigo (senior), Kathy D’Arrigo and Carmela Lattanzi. Back: Giovanni D’Arrigo, Giacomo D’Arrigo (junior), Salvatore “Sam” D’Arrigo, Stefano D’Arrigo and Franco D’Arrigo.

WATCH: Aftermath of shots fired at Springs Mall opening