I took a stroll through the new “extension” of the Cape Quarter mall in Green Point this morning and although I arrived in a very sceptical frame of mind, I was pleasantly surprised.

You see, I hate gentrification. It’s a horribly colonial form of city planning which assumes that “cleaning up” a somewhat run-down area for the sake of “progress” is by definition always a good thing. In reality, it frequently ignores the people who live, work and play there, disregarding both their lives and their history. I’m also not a fan of an ugly trend in South African architecture that retains the thin façade of pretty, historical buildings - a legal requirement I guess - only to erect hideous monstrosities behind them.

Not just another mall...

So I came prepared to write a scathing review of the place. What I found, however, was a surprisingly airy and welcoming shopping and eating venue which exudes a bright and very organic atmosphere.

Cape Quarter Extension exterior

And it's much bigger than you would expect when looking at it from the outside. I also think that the planners and architects have successfully managed to recreate the feel of the quaint De Waterkant streets in the surrounding neighbourhood. The new extension greatly expands the size and appeal of the already very popular Cape Quarter complex which is located just across the road.


Shopping bliss

Although many of the retail shops have yet to find tenants (the official “grand opening” is slated to happen from 7 to 15 November), the mall is already open to the public and houses a collection of chic clothing stores and trendy eateries on various levels. A charming open-air central courtyard provides ample light and space, while the “gourmet” Spar food and convenience store has to be seen to be believed!

Once in full operation, the Cape Quarter Extension promises shoppers a range of upmarket boutique stores focusing especially on fashion, beauty, design, décor, furniture and food. There will also be a gym, a spa and in-house parking. The remainder of the building will contain offices and 14 furnished Cape Quarter Living apartments available for short stays at daily rates.

All in all then, this development adds substantially to the appeal of this trendy part of Green Point and it’s sure to be a hit with tourists and travellers. If you’re a seasoned shopper and connoisseur of modern city living you’re guaranteed to love it!

Source: News24.com - www.news24.com

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