The strong unifying theme of the new décor throughout the shopping centre combines warm undertones of a rich and diverse Africa with a contemporary worldly elegance celebrating the centre’s heritage. The entire shopping centre has been brightened through the use of large skylight windows and enhanced by prominent accent coloured lights throughout the centre comprising energy efficient lamps. This combined with the lighter colours of the interior of the centre creates a relaxing and pleasant shopping environment. The modern shop fronts also make the retail displays more visually appealing.

Following the facelift, The Boulders has been brought in line with both current and local design trends for shopping centres, whilst maintaining its roots of being the premier shopping destination for Midrand and surrounding areas.

Melody Venter, centre manager at The Boulders says, “Most of the work during the 12 month refurbishment had to take place at night, to keep our customers as un-inconvenienced as possible. It was not uncommon to encounter hidden obstacles when walls were knocked out or ceilings opened up which posed quite a challenge as details had to be re-worked on the spot.

The centre was opened in July 1992 and in 1996 was expanded by 16 000 m² at a cost of R90 million. This is the first time it has undergone cosmetic work of this nature. The architects did a fantastic job in bringing The Boulders back to life restoring it to its former glory as the premier shopping destination within the Midrand area.”

The upgraded entrances have a contemporary inviting look and the area around Boulders has also been landscaped to enhance the visitor’s experience. All amenities within the centre have been completely redone and modernised reflecting the theme and character of the new-look centre.

“The changes are staggering, it looks like a completely new shopping centre,” says Venter, “and I invite everyone to come and visit this world class mall, even if it is just to experience the heritage of this site.”

The new look Boulders Shopping Centre is situated less than 3km off the N1 highway from Allandale off-ramp on Old Pretoria Road. It is also conveniently close to all major roads linking Gallagher Estates, O.R Tambo Airport; Sandton CBD and Pretoria.