#Liberty Mall Rejuvenation - Welkom

[musiccity]

Well positioned on a major intersection in the heart of the town´s central business district, the owners and managing agents of Liberty Mall in Welkom are pursuing plans to rejuvenate the centre´s appeal in order to enhance the shopping experience - as well as boost traffic to the mall.
Key tenants at the mall include Mr Price Weekend Material, Clicks and Clicks Pharmacy, Donna Claire, CNA and a PEP store.

Already implemented from 1 July 2011, the centre management introduced free parking throughout the mall, both for tenants and shoppers. Also proposed are plans to introduce improvements in the area behind the mall, which would include additional public parking in the CBD.

Comments centre manager, Norma Venter of JHI Properties, which took over management of the mall in March 2011: "Our vision is that the Liberty Mall revitalisation project would include plans to revamp and upgrade the immediate surrounds and extend public parking facilities behind the centre - not only in order to enhance the appeal of the immediate area but also to facilitate traffic flow into the mall.

However, this is dependent on the outcome of negotiations with the local municipality and with landowners of the properties adjacent to the mall, in regard to the possibility of converting the vacant space behind the centre into an additional parking area and attractive open space, for the added convenience of shoppers.

"In regard to the mall itself, together with the owners of the centre, we are currently obtaining quotations for various improvements," says Venter.

In addition, JHI Properties has implemented a leasing strategy and is currently in discussion with retailers with regard to the tenant mix, to ensure the correct target market is drawn to the mall.

Says Venter: "With four major taxi ranks situated around the mall and with easy access for pedestrian shoppers and vehicles, the centre attracts solid foot traffic levels.

"Having originally opened its doors in September 1985, the Liberty Mall is in the process of re-positioning itself to ensure the correct tenant mix and product offering is provided to consumers who will frequent the mall in future.

Our aim is to fill the existing vacancies with the strategic placement of tenants who offer value and convenience to the consumer. This will boost the centre´s considerable appeal going well into the future," she adds.

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