Afriscope conducted an accessibility study of Gauteng’s large shopping centres and found that Maponya Mall is by far the closest to the largest number of people and within the shortest travelling time. It is strategically and conveniently placed near 1.2-million people who have approximately five minutes travel time by road. Located in Pimville, Richard Maponya’s development of Maponya Mall was done with the assistance of his daughter Chichi. The Mall has over 200 stores and includes some of South Africa’s top retailers. It also has an eight screen cinema complex – which is a first for Soweto. Maponya Mall was a momentous and timely boost for the sprawling township, which has a population of 1.7-million people. The growing township is upheld by a burgeoning black middle class, which has grown by an astounding 30%. This is the core which fuels the growth, most notably in development and increased demand for shopping and entertainment destinations. Address: 2127 Chris Hani Road, Klipspruit Ext5, Soweto www.maponyamall.co.za
Diepkloof Square Construction on the new Diepkloof Square began in December 2011. As the Diepkloof Extension is one of the wealthiest township suburbs in the country, the design and tenant offering had to go above and beyond traditional centre offerings. The location also has excellent access to the main arterial road serving Diepkloof, Immink Road, as well as in close proximity to the N1 Highway. It’s visibility in this location make it an ideal retail development. With an opening date of October 2012, Diepkloof Square community shopping centre in Soweto aims to transform convenient shopping for local residents. The 16,108 square metre community centre will be anchored by Pick n Pay with a store measuring 3,112 square metres. There are 40 shops, plus generous parking, excellent access to public transport and an adjacent existing taxi rank. Retailers that have identified the centre as providing excellent access to Diepkloof the consumer market include Ellerines, Bears, 0, 'VSOJUVSF (FFO 3JDIBSET .D%POBMET
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