Changes at South Africa’s biggest shopping mall take shape

As part of its wider turnaround strategy, South Africa’s biggest shopping mall, Fourways Mall, is pushing investment in its surrounding infrastructure and delivering on its promised changes.

This investment includes enhancing traffic flow around the centre, where the group will now connect six key traffic lights in its vicinity to its backup power supply.

The traffic lights at the following intersections around the mall will remain during any power outages:

• Cedar Road & Witkoppen Roads
• Cedar Road & Fourways Boulevard
• Fourways Boulevard & Winnie Mandela
• Fourways Boulevard & Percy Road
• Fourways Boulevard & Short Street
• Fourways Boulevard & Ruby Close

The connection process is being done in collaboration with the Gauteng provincial government for the first three and the Johannesburg Road Agency for the latter three, and it is currently in its final stages.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in the area, which has been one of the problems denting the mall’s operations.

Mike Pienaar, Fourways Mall Management, said the powering up the traffic lights surrounding the centre is a crucial first step in ensuring the entire node is more enjoyable for shoppers and commuters.

“Our commitment to the Fourways community extends beyond the walls of the centre. By connecting these traffic lights to our backup power supply, we aim to provide a smooth and safe driving experience for everyone who passes by and look forward to making a positive impact on our neighbourhood.”

In addition to connecting the traffic lights to its backup power, Fourways Mall will also be installing Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to ensure seamless operation.

The UPS will cover any immediate power drops, preventing the traffic lights from going out unexpectedly. This dual system will guarantee that the traffic lights will continue to function smoothly, switching seamlessly to Fourways Mall’s backup power, when needed.

With ongoing concerns over traffic light vandalism in the Gauteng area and unauthorised individuals switching the traffic lights off to self-direct traffic, Fourways Mall said it will work closely with local security companies, local Government and other property owners in the node, to monitor and manage the situation.

New measures to be implemented include alerts on traffic lights to detect tampering and prompt intervention by security personnel.

Upgrades and changes

Improving traffic flow is one of the key strategic areas the mall’s new management is focusing on to improve foot traffic at the centre and to turn its fortunes around.

The mall’s co-owners appointed Flanagan & Gerard as the strategic Asset Managers for Fourways Mall earlier this year, accompanied by the oversight of Property Management by the Moolman Group.

The new managers announced a string of changes to ‘reshape’ the mall amid its strained trading environment this year.

They outlined “targeted focus areas” for reshaping the mall, including:

• Enhance the mall’s infrastructure and services;
• Implement improved signage for seamless navigation;
• Introduce “vibrant” new tenants;
• Deploy full backup power solutions;
• Explore energy alternatives;
• Enhance parking area lighting;
• Upgrade security measures;
• Optimise traffic flow;
• Enlarging parking bays.

The managers said that the initial six-month strategy will lay the foundation for the overarching objective, of “re-establishing Fourways Mall as a top-tier shopping destination”.

“Our overriding objective is to re-establish the Fourways Mall brand as the top of mind, best shopping destination for those who reside in our primary and secondary trade area,” they said.

Following an expansion that finished in September 2019, Fourways Mall became the largest mall in South Africa with a gross lettable area (GLA) of 178,202 sqm.

Earlier this year, the owners announced a further R400 million injection into the mall to facilitate the upgrades.

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