Redefine to open convenience shopping centre Kwena Square during mid-2022

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01-02-2022
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Property Wheel
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Redefine Properties is on track to open its Kwena Square shopping centre on the West Rand during mid-2022.

Located centrally in Little Falls, Roodepoort, the centre features over 10 000m2 of convenience shopping space.

The centre’s name is from the Sotho meaning for crocodile, ‘koena’ (kwena) which accentuates the abundant natural beauty within the Little Falls, Strubens Valley, and surrounding areas. The Crocodile River also has its source in the Witwatersrand Mountain range, originating in Constantia Kloof near to the current site.

Developed at a cost of R210 million, Kwena Square will house 23 stores anchored by national retailers like Checkers, Checkers Liquor and Clicks and it boasts one of South Africa’s first RocoMamas drive thrus in addition to other restaurants and coffee shops. Over 60% of the centre has already been pre-let to tenants who represent a diverse line of local and national brands.

An array of rooftop solar panels will generate as much as 25% of the electricity required by the centre.

Redefine recently unveiled its Moonshot Strategy setting a target to deliver the smartest and most sustainable spaces by the end of this decade and has since been focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy to help it to reach its goal. In 2022, Redefine will focus on executing its strategic priorities having introduced a climate resilience framework, striving for more sustainability interventions across its operating environment and investing strategically.  

“We are ready to put the efforts in towards meeting our commitment to convert all buildings in our portfolio to net zero carbon, water and waste by 2050. The process has begun with our newer projects and demonstrates our ongoing focus to reduce our carbon footprint. We have an overarching ambition to be a force for good”, comments Leon Kok, COO, Redefine Properties.

A new study by MSCI shows that some areas of retail like convenience shopping centres are seeing a rise in sales and visitors with trading densities exceeding pre-Covid levels. Thanks to time-pressed consumers juggling work-from-home and making quick stops for groceries to avoid crowds, the need for convenience became paramount during Covid-19.  

“Kwena Square entrenches the trend we first identified on the re-emergence of convenience centres, a shopping format most favoured during the pandemic for its ease of use and open ventilation enhancing safety. The completion of the project during a pandemic reflects our commitment and our tenants’ confidence in the project and the neighbourhood,” he adds.   

“A convenience centre like Kwena Square addresses changing shopping habits and is positioned to efficiently meet evolving demands of shoppers.”