Kwena Square Opens to the Public
- 01 Jul 2022
- News
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, community originating in Constantia Kloof near to the current site.
The convenience centre was designed to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the area, to be environmentally friendly and to efficiently meet evolving shopper demands in addition to the existing Leroy Merlin and Decathlon, the centre will house 23 new stores anchored by national retailers including Checkers, Checkers Liquor and Clicks. It will also house South Africa’s first RocoMamas drive-thru and witness the inaugural launch of a Little West Packers toy and baby store.
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.
The integration of the local community was a central driver behind the construction, leasing. and provision of business opportunities for local subcontractors. Local tenants showcasing the best South Africa has to offer include Benitas Food emporium. Neo Vision. My Krafts, Quello, Nossa Casa, Suggee Bar, Uncle Joe's florist, and Fresh House.
A standout feature in the build—up to the launch was a completely community driven project to and the best local talent to develop the unique design of the benches and dustbins to accentuate the mall's aesthetics, as well as portray the theme of the Square.
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse unveiled the benches in a special ceremony, with designer Siviwe Jali from Umugqa Studio, proudly watching his brilliant work being opened to the public for the first time. Siviwe, who was also the finalist in the Nando's Young Hot Talent 2020 bench design competition, has quickly established a name in the industrial industry and hopes to grow in the retail sphere.