#MyTown – Eastgate then and now
Alana Hoskin mentioned Eastgate Shopping Centre went through an expansion in 2012.
The management of Eastgate Shopping Centre takes a look back at a few structural and social changes to the centre since the early 1990s, and how some of these have affected the community presently.
Alana Hoskin, marketing manager for Eastgate Shopping Centre, recalls when the centre was the largest shopping centre around.
“Eastgate is no longer the biggest shopping centre, as it was in the early 1990s, although it is still the biggest mall within the East Rand,” said Hoskin.
She described the centre as servicing the community to a much greater extent ever since.
“To the east, you have the affluent shopper in Bedfordview, whereas to the west you have a less affluent shopper.
“The centre offers shoppers a different experience, the less affluent come to the centre for a high-end experience, while the more affluent come for the convenience and the stores.
“We service everyone in the surrounding community more effectively now,” said Hoskin.
The book was first published in 1992.
She added many shoppers do still come from further areas, and this is still due to the centre being situated in close proximity to a major highway.
In 2012, the centre went through an expansion, which Hoskin sees as a major change, as it was an upgrade to the interior and the exterior of the centre.
“The expansion was to maximises the space, keeping the shopping experience in mind, much like the parking area, which now has four additional levels, ” said Hoskin.
Another change was the addition of an IMAX theatre, which Hoskin said many other centres are not offering at this moment.
“The cinemas have moved from downstairs to upstairs, including an IMAX theatre,” said Hoskin.
Road infrastructure has also changed around the centre.
“The Bruma ramp, which the centre did not have previously, links the Garden Court Hotel and the Eastgate office parks.
“This is to link residents of the hotel for easier access to the centre and for additional people using the space.
“It also serves as easier access and exit for residents and tenants,” said Hoskin.
Concerning the taxi rank situated at the centre, residents also use the ramp as a pedestrian bridge.
In the past, Hoskin said the taxi rank was a small section of the centre, and has now become an integral part of the centre as a whole.
“Before, the rank only serviced people working in the mall mostly, now it is utilised by almost everybody in the surrounding areas,” said Hoskin.
She said people are utilising the taxi rank, whether they are coming to Eastgate or not.
“Due to this, many of the commuters do use the centre for shopping, as it is convenient to do shopping after work and get right outside to home,” said Hoskin.
She added the taxi rank not only services Eastgate shoppers, but the community as well.
With construction on the Eastgate office tower, there once was doctors’ offices present, whereas now, Hoskin said there is a gym and also Liberty Life offices.
“There is a mixture of use with the office tower, the centre is no longer only for retail,” said Hoskin.
Residential properties have also grown over the years around the centre.
“The centre has created growth for homes, businesses and tourism, growing the community from where it once was in the 1990s,” said Hoskin.
