Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu was reconstructed after the July 2021 riots, winning a SAPOA Refurbishment Award for its transport-hub-inspired design and energy-efficient services.
Rebuilding a transport hub
Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu was reconstructed after the devastation of the July 2021 riots, with the rebuild used as an opportunity to strengthen its role as a regional retail and transport hub. The design draws on the centre's location alongside a train station and taxi rank, with railway sleeper and track motifs appearing in the ceiling and floor tiling throughout, set against a cool grey and white palette.
The main entrance links directly to the train station, with the taxi rank feeding straight into the centre, while an expansive rooftop provides parking for shoppers arriving by car. The refurbishment prioritised local suppliers and employment, and won a SAPOA Refurbishment Award.
Spoormaker's role
Spoormaker & Partners was among the consulting engineers on the project, which incorporated an energy-efficient ventilation and chilled air-conditioning system with heat-recycling capability, power factor correction, and a priority on natural light and efficient lighting throughout.