Gateway Shopping Centre – Theatre of Shopping
Retail, Shopping Centre
Gateway Shopping Centre was a catalyst project that pre-empted the expansion North of the city of Durban. At the time of it’s build, it was the single largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. The concept design was produced by RTKL, and DDG both based in the USA. Our practice were the architects of record. The centre was at the forefront of the ‘Shoppertainment’ retail experience revolution in the early 2000’s. The urban design framework was designed by Irkie Woods, which formed the skeleton on which the Umhlanga node developed. Today this is one of the most sought after areas to live, work and play (…. and shop).
Client: Old Mutual
Location: Umhlanga, SA
Size: 130,000m2 (Has since been expanded to 168,000 m2 + 12,000 Parking bays
Status: Completed (2001)
I had a hand in all aspects of the centre, including the mall itself, the 16 cinemas (and 6 additional arts cinemas), Planet Blue and the wavehouse, as well as the skatepark. The mall has subsequently undergone expansions, and some planning changes, but the core aspects of the centre remain in tact.
The centre forms an integral part of the Umhlanga boulevard which in turn is the spine along which other mixed use developments have occurred. Although the centre was not integrated into a mixed-use scheme (as current thinking dictates), it was a step in the right direction, as it did not merely turn it’s back on the surroundings, and internalize itself as most conventional malls do.
The centre is said to have been the catalyst for the growth of the Umhlanga node, and the creation of some of the best real estate value in the country.
