As part of Hyprop Investments Limited’s plan for expanding entertainment options and food offerings at their malls, some of Ratanga Junction’s most popular rides will get a second life at Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Century City.
Many locals were sad to see the iconic long-standing theme park that formed part of Cape Town’s skyline go, but there is new hope for those who missed their chance to say goodbye, as some rides like the White Water slides, the famous Peter Petz carousel, Bubble Boats for children, and adult paddle boats will be incorporated into Canal Walk Shopping Centre when it receives its upcoming renovations.
Hyprop CEO Morné Wilken says, “The revamp and expansion… is in keeping with the family-oriented nature of Canal Walk by providing children’s entertainment in close proximity to the eating area. He adds that “the development speaks to the fact that malls in South Africa remain key destinations for retail and family entertainment, making this a worthwhile investment over the long term”.
With the new rides installed the entertainment centre will run on a cashless card system that will automatically update with any tickets or coupons won by visitors. “We believe Ratanga will definitely be a key differentiator for the mall and improve foot count as well,” says Wilken.
The Ratanga Family Entertainment Centre is expected to open by the end of 2019, while the food court upgrade will kick off in the first quarter of 2020.
Wilken says that Hyprop has a proven track record of successful developments at existing centres and that the group is confident that the planned project at Canal Walk will be no exception. “Recent renovations at The Glen and Rosebank Mall saw these centres reporting double-digit rental income growth in Hyprop’s latest results for the six months to December 2018.”
So keep your eyes peeled for the new developments, and be sure to take the little ones for a ride as soon as the entertainment centre is complete.
Pictures: Facebook/Ratanga World