Construction World November 2023

SHOPPING MALLS

BALLITO JUNCTION REFURBISHMENT CREATES MIXED USE PRECINCT WITH FLEXIBLE WORK SPACES Nestled along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast lies the new Ballito Junction, with the original building being a Mediterranean-inspired shopping centre that is being reconfigured and refurbished to offer a

diverse range of amenities and experiences. T he refurbishment was conceptualised by MDS Architecture for owners Menlyn Maine and Flanagan & Gerard. Pierre Lahaye, a partner at MDS Architecture, says that the design is a contemporary update, while maintaining a focus on community and functionality. “The reimagined development brings a lifestyle element to the broader precinct by offering an outdoor dining node. The aesthetic has been updated to complement the triple-storey, 80 000 m 2 regional mall to which it is connected.” The rejuvenated centre will offer retail convenience, outdoor dining options and flexible workspaces when it opens on 30 November 2023. Workspace synergy Ballito Junction will house Workshop17's inaugural venture into KwaZulu-Natal and aligns with the rising demand for mixed-use properties and remote working options. Workshop17 is a leading provider of flexible workspaces. Says Lahaye, “The concept offers flexibility for businesses and workers, while bringing higher foot traffic

to the centre during the week. Restaurants benefit from daytime visitors, and those using Workshop17 overlook the piazza or mall area while enjoying a wide array of convenient options available for meetings and meals.” New lifts and a lobby link up the new mall and provide access-controlled lifts for Workshop17. From above, a screen has been used to demarcate the space and shield services from view. Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Group, notes that large volumes of people in higher income brackets, including families semigrating from Gauteng, are relocating to the north coast of KZN. They are attracted by the quality of life it offers, its world class secure estate living and its easy access regionally, nationally and internationally. “It is this growing movement that inspired the decision to introduce bespoke workspace solutions to the region. We felt the timing was perfect. Many professionals will now be able to have a quality work environment within the North Coast’s premier shopping destination – Ballito Junction,” says Gerard.

20 CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2023