Gateway Theatre of Shopping caused a sensation when it opened in September 2001. A mix of entertainment and retail on a grand scale, it was an untested concept in an undeveloped location.
In a bold move that demonstrated staggering confidence in the potential of the New Town precinct and greater Umhlanga Ridge, Old Mutual Properties (OMP) started construction on the 118 000m² mall at a cost of around R1,4-billion in 1998.
An open, airy structure filled with natural light; Gateway was designed to ‘crack open’ onto the iconic Palm Boulevard. It took a little while, but Gateway soon became a favourite place to shop, meet friends, take the family and have a good time. Twenty-one years later – Gateway Theatre of Shopping is the jewel of Umhlanga and an important asset to the province of Kwazulu-Natal.
A SUPER-REGIONAL MALL THAT HAS IT ALL
The mall has attracted top international and local brands, making it a convenient one-stop destination for discerning shoppers who travel from around KwaZulu-Natal to access wider ranges, flagship offerings, niche brands and a world-class experience.
With over 70 eateries at Gateway, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants indoors and out, there are dining options for every taste and occasion.
CHANGING WITH THE TIMES
An aesthetic upgrade of the Great Hall around Gateway’s entrance axis as well as the two adjacent vaulted wings is due to get underway in mid-September. Planned to be completed in two phases before and after the festive break, the remodel includes a glamourous triple-volume faceted glass façade around the main lifts.
“It’s going to look magnificent,” says General Manager, Feysel Potgieter. “Curved organic ceilings, geometric tiling, column cladding, sweeping lines and timber accents will give Gateway a fresh, modern look.”
The second phase will focus on the adjacent wings and be completed in 2023.
ATTRACTING MILLIONS OF SHOPPERS
On an average day, thousands of visitors enter the mall. With regular shoppers, as well as out-of-towners and holidaymakers, who flock to the North Coast in season, Gateway attracts around 2.3 million visitors a month, which climbs to 3.2 million in December. Thanks to extended trading hours and expansive design, the mall can feel busy, but never crowded. Two major extensions were made to the mall, in 2008 and 2018. To increase capacity, the new Woolworths node was created in 2018 and the food court relocation included an outdoor area that floods the indoor space with natural light. The Palm Court entrance was completely remodelled with the two-level Starbucks now acting as a focal point. Investing approximately R700-million in this development project, Gateway’s current retail footprint is over 175,000 m2 and the third largest mall in South Africa.
A CARBON-NEUTRAL FUTURE
Even though Gateway’s footprint has increased by over 50%, the mall has cut its energy consumption by 30% over the past 21 years.
In pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, almost everything in the mall has been replaced – from lighting to sanitaryware, escalators, lifts, and air chillers, every time it’s an opportunity to upgrade to something more intelligent and sustainable.
Operating on the scale of a small city, Gateway can trade through electricity and water disruptions. Solar panels and backup generators keep essential services functioning. Grey water is recycled for use in gardens and other non-potable applications and an emergency water supply is stored onsite.
With a zero-to-landfill target as its long-term goal, Gateway is working closely with tenants to obtain these targets and fulfil a valuable mission to be an eco-conscious and sustainable business operation.
Whether you have walked the 21-year journey with us, or are a new patron to the mall – a visit to the interactive Museum of Memories at the Expo Explore Court is a must! The family friendly activation is free to the public and open from September 7th. You can take a trip down memory lane and experience a host of fun and engaging activities.
For more visit www.gatewayworld.co.za
