Paarl Mall draws 50 000 a day
2005-10-27
FOR too long Paarl has been a “stepchild” regarding shopping centres, said Drakenstein mayor Herman Bailey at the official opening of the New Paarl Mall.
He said the mall would make shopping easier and would prevent local residents from spending their money outside Paarl.
“The investment will be a welcome financial injection to the town,” he said and added that further development would be a natural spin-off.
He also thanked the developers for using so much local labour, stating that 1500 jobs were generated during construction and about 500 permanent jobs, also mainly for local people.
Visiting the Paarl Mall over the weekend, it was clear that the developers’ wildest expectations were exceeded.
“The whole of Wellington is here!” and “I haven’t seen you in years!” were some of the remarks that were heard in the crowded centre.
Between 190 000 and 200 000 people visited the centre during the first four days, up to Sunday evening.
Construction of the Paarl Mall took two years and cost R320 million.
It consists of 36 000m˛ with 100 stores and restaurants, including anchor tenants Pick ’n Pay, Edgars and Woolworths.
Visitors can look forward to eating in the shade of full-grown trees in the food court.
The look and feel of the Mall is an interesting blend of contemporary and typical Cape farm styles. Sky and mountain views frame warm, tactile interiors incorporating natural stone and timbers.
The opening is celebrated with ten days of fun events, live entertainment, special offers and competitions.
Every day until the end of the month there will be entertainment for kids and adults including face-painting, games, balloon modelling, workshops, live music and school choirs.
A Harvest Festival will be held from today to Saturday, where you can sample delectable gourmet fare from the Valley.
Big prizes can be won in the Primo Paarl competition with the lucky draw taking place on Saturday.
The Paarl Mall is expected to draw customers from Paarl, Wellington, Worcester, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, Ceres and Malmesbury.
In order to alleviate vehicular congestion on the historic Main Street and, at the same time, provide easy access between the new Mall and the N1, a R20 million four-phase road reconstruction programme accompanies the Mall. It will be completed by December.
You can contact the Mall at 863-5360.
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