The “Phase 3 development” of the Liberty Midlands Mall introduces even more attractions to the most popular retail hub in KwaZulu Natal Midlands, Africa. Inaugurated in March 2018, PENETRON crystalline technology was used to secure key concrete structures in the mall's below-grade structures and parking garage.
The Liberty Midlands Mall is the largest retail destination in the Pietermaritzburg region. As the most popular shopping destinations of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the mall features African culture with a mix of fashion, food and entertainment, anchored by brand-name tenants such as Pick ‘n Pay, Game, Woolworths, Dischem and Edgars.
“The Midlands Liberty Mall first opened its doors in 2003 and swiftly became the preferred retail destination in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands,” explains Clive Leader, Director of PENETRON South Africa. “This soon created high demand to expand the mall to accommodate more international and local retailers.”
Developer is Frequent PENETRON Client
Over the years, the mall continued to expand and measured 56,000m² (616,000 square feet) after the first two phases of construction, with over 160 stores attracting approximately 650,000 shoppers per month. Construction of the “Phase 3 development” project began in November 2016. Designed by Bentel Associates International, this stage of expansion added almost 22,000m² (242,000 square feet) of retail and leisure space, increasing the size of the mall to 78,000m² (858,000 square feet). The parking garage added 470 spaces and now offers room to over 3,000 vehicles.
The Liberty Midlands Mall is co-owned by Liberty Group Limited and Liberty Two Degrees’. As owners of other real estate developments across South Africa, they have also utilized PENETRON crystalline technology in many of their other projects.
Reducing Concrete Permeability
“The mall’s new Phase 3 expansion is adjacent to the existing mall and includes a lifestyle center with both leisure components and an increased retail offering,” adds Brian Unsted, a Liberty Two Degrees’ Asset Management Executive. “The Phase 3 expansion brings the tenant count to over 200 stores and provides space for brands we could not previously accommodate. We’ve also added five restaurants in an indoor-outdoor, alfresco style dining setting.”
The Penetron South Africa team worked with Liviero Construction, the project contractors, to provide a waterproofing solution that combined PENETRON ADMIX and PENEBAR SW-55 waterstop. PENETRON ADMIX reduces the permeability of concrete by permanently sealing micro-cracks, pores and capillaries, effectively protecting the structure against water penetration and the effects of deterioration.
Protecting Exposed Concrete from the Elements
PENETRON ADMIX was mixed into over 3,600 m3 (4,580 yds3) of concrete during batching and PENEBAR SW-55 (about 900 m / 3,000 feet) was used to seal the construction joints. The treated concrete helped waterproof and protect all the exposed areas of the parking garage decks, the numerous elevator pits and the storm water culvert.
“PENETRON ADMIX is now an integral part of the new concrete elements of the Liberty Midlands Mall, ensuring low permeability and a self-healing capability over the useful life of the concrete,” concludes Mr. Leader.
Waterproof in Pietermaritzburg:
The latest expansion of the Liberty Midlands Mall adds space for many international and local brand shops – with a foundation built on PENETRON crystalline technology.
Free from moisture:
The exposed areas of the new parking garage decks, the numerous elevator pits and the storm water culvert of the expanded Liberty Midlands Mall were treated with PENETRON ADMIX.
