Client Pareto Limited Architect Afritects Project Value Current estimated cost to client is R10 million Project Status The project is now in its advanced architectural design stage and the final project budget is still to be approved by the client Construction Start Date Early 2010, subject to confirmation

Project Rationale

The Cresta Gardens area was originally conceived as a vibrant courtyard teaming with activity but never really made it as anticipated due to various problems. Consequently a plan has now been mooted to implement a series of interventions that will see this space playing an important role as entertainment destination at the Cresta Centre.

The architects' mandate was to re-integrate this potentially exquisite space into the mall thereby giving the shoppers a chance to enjoy the garden atmosphere the space has on offer. To achieve this, access to the area had to be improved and activities introduced in the area. After carefull consideration and monitoring of the Cresta Gardens, whilst working closely with the Cresta Management team, Afritects Architects were able to generate a design solution that would ignite the magic in this space.


The overall concept centres around accessibility and usability of the garden area. The issue of accessibility is addressed via the equipping of the space with two scenic lifts with three stations each and the addition of two escalators between the lower and garden levels. This will ensure that shoppers are able to move between the mall and garden areas seamlessly. This integration is designed with quality of space in mind. High quality finishes are used in continuing that refined feel of the shopping mall into the gardens.

Other than shoppers, this initiative is intended to benefit restaurants and shops in the area. It is expected that businesses in close proximity of the gardens will experience a boost in traffic volumes due to these improvements. Restaurant goers will have an opportunity to dine closer to, or even in the garden environment as a result of extended restaurant balconies and extended sitting area into the garden.

The Cresta Gardens is set to become a popular eating and playing destination for both parents and the energetic young ones. To ensure that it becomes the ultimate chill-out zone for the whole family, mobile jungle gyms, trampolines, kiddies' bungee jumping and many other mobile gaming facilities for kids will be featured on a rotational basis at the discretion of Cresta Management.