Sable Square - Cape Town, South Africa

Bentel Associates International designs Sable Square : a new retail concept in South Africa

Sable Square in Cape Town is a unique, versatile and highly diversified concept and promises to provide exciting retail, business, residential and leisure opportunities.

The R150 million Sable Square is a mixed-use property development bordering Century City. Phase 1 of the 37 000sqm development is scheduled for completion in September 2006. It is conveniently situated in Milnerton on two major service roads, with fast, easy access to the freeway network, the CBD, the airport and the harbour. The area surrounding Sable Square, known as the West Coast strip, is currently the fastest growing residential growth node in South Africa.

The Sable Square development is part of a growing international trend towards the outlet shopping village concept. It originated twenty years ago in the USA and it has subsequently proved to be highly successful not only in the US but in Europe as well.

Sable Square will be a first for South Africa. A consortium of local developers led by the Spearhead Property Group has brought the concept to Cape Town where shoppers will shortly be able to indulge in brand name goods at value prices in a conveniently situated, ultra-modern centre with multifunctional facilities and a sought-after ambience. 

To design this pioneering concept in South Africa the developers have retained the services of Bentel Associates International, Southern Africa's largest retail design firm. Bentel Associates International has created some of South Africa's most successful retail and mixed-use centres, including Clearwater Mall, Montecasino, La Lucia Mall and Canal Walk. With 45 years of commercial design experience one of Bentel Associates International's dominant strengths is their ability to accurately translate a client's vision and concept into an innovative design that will also address the business and social needs inherent in every project. 

Retailers and developers are no longer serving a homogenous middle class; they have to satisfy a more diverse consumer population that embraces a diversity of lifestyles. Taking full cognisance of this change in consumerism the project is a breakaway from conventional mixed-use centres as well as a clearly defined move away from the retail mall concept and design. The concept does not compete with existing malls and shops but rather seeks to add complementary retail value to the area, calling for innovative and unique architecture with meticulous attention to a myriad of challenging details. 

BAI's ability to coordinate the creative process with the linear demands of financially viable design and delivery has been invaluable in the creation of the outstanding architecture of Sable Square. Good design is required to be fully involved with its context; Sable Square's pioneering and multifunctional design will provide an image, flexible multi-tenant space and an ambience that will be more relevant to its broad and multicultural consumer spectrum. 

Apart from the wide range of trading styles that needed to be incorporated into the design BAI were also required to incorporate the state-of-the art IT and technology which will be utilised throughout the Square. Views of Table Mountain were also an important aspect as well as the creation of maximum exposure for traders on the busy arterial road borders.

Sable Square will reflect a wide diversity of trading styles in various precincts with open-air thoroughfares and boulevards lined with cafes, restaurants and convenience food outlets, all leading to a central continental-style piazza. New concept stores, high-end retail operators and familiar chains as well as smaller traders and professionals will have the opportunity to participate in this area's dynamic growth and development. Retail spaces in the various precincts have been designed from as little as 10m2 up to 2 500m2. Retail space will be economically priced compared to nearby shopping malls, in line with the outlet retailing concept. 

The outlet retail concept focuses on a broad mixture of shops with emphasis on comparative and cost effective outlet shopping - upmarket branded retail outlets such as Adidas, Puma, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's will be an important part of the tenant mix. Retailers will have an ideal upmarket channel through which they can sell excess or last season's stock at discount prices without the risk of damaging brand integrity. Brand stores will be interspersed with major chains as well as a wide range of smaller independent shops. Pick 'n Pay will be an anchor tenant. Indoor and open-air entertainment areas, a hotel school and restaurant, a boutique plant nursery and a health and fitness centre have also been incorporated into the design.

The central piazza and the retail elements as well as the highly secure perimeter will be enhanced by many textural elements including contrasting landscaping and lush plantings. State-of-the-art security will provide the shopper with peace of mind and a sense of security which will enhance the shopping experience.

Bentel Associates International has provided an innovative and meticulous but flexible design that has successfully integrated all the elements of the outlet retail concept. Catering to a wide variety of needs the development will become an integral part of the lives of vistors to the Square.