The Sibaya node has seen much activity over recent years and the catalytic projects undertaken in the area are continuing despite setbacks faced in the KZN province over the past two years. One of the most exciting projects within the Sibaya region will reach completion and be open to the public on 30th September 2022, that will have a profound impact on job creation and tourism in the Sibaya precinct. There’s no doubt that the opening of Marine Walk Shopping Centre will change the landscape of the Sibaya area for the better, offering residents of nearby areas a safe, convenient and family-centric retail space right on their doorstep.
Project lead on the Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Devmco Group’s Brad Winstanley, believes that convenience and connection are two of the most important factors for people looking to change and improve their lifestyles. “We have set our sights on improving the quality of life for people in the area through this shopping centre. We are proud to have created a curated collection of retailers in a safe shopping space, with an open-air courtyard and restaurants that spill out into nature. It is a space that inspires relaxation, entertainment, and connection,” says Winstanley.
Finally opening its doors this week, the much-anticipated shopping space was built around the same philosophy of sustainability and environmental consciousness that Durban-based developers Devmco have weaved throughout the Salta development.
The stylish retail space boasts large open areas and landscaped terraces for families to enjoy before, during and after their shopping – as media, influencers and stakeholders got to experience first-hand during a sneak preview event on Thursday 29 September 2022. According to Winstanley, the new mall will not only offer convenience to local shoppers from the surrounding areas but will act as a platform for local businesses to thrive.
“We have purposefully looked to include tenants in the centre who comprise of some of South Africa’s most popular and loved brands like Dischem, Kauai, Mr Price, Woolworths, Spar, Milady’s and Mugg & Bean. We have also hand-picked a number of owner-run and managed establishments and stores that are considered local treasures,” explains Winstanley.
Umdloti family-run business Casa Nostra have relocated their popular restaurant to the new shopping centre that has established a reputation and following in the community for 27 years. Considered a true family institution owned and run by Emanuele and Vanessa Cantatore, their authentic Italian home-style cuisine, with its focus on quality ingredients and authentic Italian flavours, will undoubtedly be a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike to the centre. “We are looking forward to offering our customers, who are like family to us, the same tried and tested menu favourites, but with a new dining experience that has something for the whole family to enjoy,” says Vanessa Cantatore.
In addition to local favourites such as Waxy O’Connors, Moustache Barber, Petland and Frozen For You – shoppers will get to enjoy the very first Woolworths W.Edit store in KZN. In a strategic move to expand their footprint to smaller malls and locations that wouldn’t necessarily be able to include the full Woolworths offering, the new W.Edit store is a boutique offering of the very best of Woolworths Fashion, Beauty, and Homeware items, curated especially for customers in the area.
Similarly, a new SUPERSPAR will welcome local residents to a flagship store that is employing and extensively training 67 previously unemployed staff members. “It has been a privilege to work with a blank canvas and build a SUPERSPAR from scratch at the Marine Walk Shopping Centre”, says Paul Jason, co-owner of SUPERSPAR Salta.
“Our vision is to exceed customers’ expectations through unbelievable service and an extraordinary shopping experience. With notable additions like a dedicated Gelato counter, a freshly made sushi station and a wood fired pizza offering, and an in-house café to sit, work, chat and eat at – not to mention a menu built by Durban legends Paul Sheppard of Marco Paulo and Raymond Friedman of Ray’s Kitchen.”
Devmco Group Director, Charles Thompson says, “We have created a shopping and lifestyle space where convenience is at the heart of this offering as we work towards redefining the customer retail experience. Retail is shifting, and customers are embracing the move to smaller, more intimate shopping zones. They no longer need to travel to the larger “city centre” malls to get their shopping done, when they can do it right here, and enjoy the same service excellence from their favourite local brands, in the fresh open air on the coast – close to home.”
As an increasing hub of residential and commercial activity, Salta Sibaya is ticking all the boxes with its exceptional product offering. A vibrant coastal lifestyle with sporting facilities and popular amenities, a close-knit community of like-minded people, and the ultimate convenience with popular retail brands, grocers, and restaurants all within close and easy proximity to your front door. A welcome addition to the area, Maine Walk during its opening weekends will offer families entertainment like LIV Choir performing on Saturday 1st October with massive opening specials at most stores during the opening weekend. Veranda Panda will also be performing at Waxy O’Connors on Friday 7th October and there will be kids entertainment over the rest of the weekend to keep youngsters entertained during the school holidays.
For more information about Marine Walk and all the activities on offer – follow their Instagram and Facebook pages, or visit www.marinewalk.co.za.