Lakeside Mall turns 15

The 68 000 square metre mall incorporates a number of distinct areas with varied atmospheres, all creating an aesthetically beautiful shopping complex with retail offerings to please everyone.

Established in 1990, Lakeside Mall has over 163 retailers, which means a wide range of shopping and leisure options; including Checkers, Woolworths, Edgars, Game and House and Home.

Growing and changing to meet the evolving needs of its shoppers, the mall itself has undergone several expansions and revamps, the most notable being the reconfiguration of its centre court.

The upper level parking deck extension in 2008 created, 500 square metres of extra space and the addition of Nedbank, Tekkie Town, House & Home and Jam Clothing as well as a much larger Standard Bank to the mall.

Casseys Auto Ford and Mazda dealership relocated to Lakeside Mall and opened its doors in 2011.

Chantell Roemer, general manger of the mall, commented: “Lakeside Mall and our retailers are proud to be part of the greater Benoni community and will continue to provide the excellent service and dynamic retail offering as we have in the past”.

One of the mall’s fondest memories was its 10th birthday celebration.

It also plans to celebrate its 15th birthday in style.

Select restaurants will run specials on the day with buskers roaming the centre and providing entertainment for the whole family.

Lakeside Mall has hosted a number of events such as ladies nights, Jazz festivals, Miss Benoni competitions, car and boat shows, and has a strong sense of giving back to the community with successful partnerships formed with Benoni Van Rhyn Lions Club, the South African National Blood Service, Project Feed the Children and Barcelona Community Centre, to name a few.

With its comprehensive retail, enjoyable family entertainment and great community initiatives, it is little wonder that nearly one million people visit the centre on an average month.

There’s even more great shopping on the cards at Lakeside Mall.

NWJ, The Hub and an exciting Cotton On pop-up store will soon be featured at the mall.

These new additions will join other recent successful stores to open at Lakeside Mall this year, like Matrix Warehouse, Gadgets Gallery, and Contempo.

Ursula Thwala is the longest working employee at the mall.

She started as a security controller in August 1999 for six months, then a receptionist for five years and now she is a facilities assistant.

“It has been a great experience, and I’ve learned a lot,” said Thwala.