“Approximately 30% of Eastgate Shopping Centre customers rely on taxi services, this is significant considering that 47.69% of households in the Ekurhuleni metro make use of taxis”, says Liberty Two Degrees’ (L2D) Developments Executive, Melinda Isaacs.
WORDS & PHOTO: SUPPLIED
As part of its precinct focused strategy, L2D, the property business line in the Insurance and Asset Management (IAM) business unit of the Standard Bank Group, has set its sights on upgrading Eastgate Shopping Centre’s taxi rank. Considering the value the taxi rank adds and its significant contribution to community mobility, L2D seeks to enhance the experience for taxi commuters and mall employees by creating a safer, more convenient, and potentially more enjoyable environment.
Saadiyah Kahn, the General and Asset Manager at Eastgate says, “This initiative, together with the recently opened e-hailing lounge at entrance 2 of the mall, which will provide a stylish and comfortable space for e-hailing passengers, highlights our commitment to exceptional retail experiences, adding value to our stakeholders. The refurbishment of our taxi rank, which is a major transportation hub serving four major taxi associations, is expected to potentially increase foot traffic to the mall. This strategic move positions Eastgate as a more accessible and convenient destination for shoppers and commuters alike”.
Two-phases underpinned by Safe Spaces
L2D prioritises safe and secure environments in line with its Safe Spaces strategic building block which underpins all its initiatives within its environments. The upgrade of the taxi rank will be executed in two phases, underpinned by safe and secure measures. The first phase will focus on enhancing the passenger experience and includes the construction of a new covered waiting area, a dedicated informal trading space, refurbished ablution facilities and a control office.
The aim is to improve traffic flow and create a more welcoming arrival experience for Eastgate shoppers and further alleviate any congestion issues that could potentially pose safety risks for commuters and open up opportunities for crime.
L2D is achieving this through an improved vehicle entrance, facilitating better accessibility to and from the taxi rank. The new entrance will increase the number of entry and exit lanes, ensuring taxis are able to enter and exit with ease. These will be designated one-way lanes, creating a circular flow that improves overall traffic movement within the rank.
For a seamless shopper experience, the second phase aims to integrate the taxi rank with the mall and the southern parking area. This will connect the pedestrian walkway of the taxi rank to Entrance 6 of the mall, incorporating landscaping in line with L2D’s biodiversity strategy as well as informal seating with artwork. This will foster a more inviting atmosphere for both commuters and customers arriving by car.
A collective approach
L2D takes a collective approach of working with strategic partners as a vital component to creating its spaces and achieving its objectives. This has also enabled L2D to continue to innovate, advance new frontiers and maintain agility for the transitions required ahead.
“Our partnership to redesign the layout and improve the internal flow of vehicles, ensures the delivery of reliable, innovative and safe solutions that showcase our commitment to the wellbeing of our stakeholders, integrating safety as a core element of our approach,” adds Isaacs.
L2D has currently developed a temporary taxi rank with ablutions while the main taxi rank is in progress. The temporary rank is situated in a location in the Eastgate Shopping Centre surrounds on the corner of Nicol and Bradford Road.
September completion date
“We aim to complete this project by September 2025. No interruptions to the operation of the taxi rank will occur and the development will take place with no disturbances to the trading of the mall. We are committed to continuously innovate and serve a one-of-a-kind experience. Both the taxi rank and e-hailing initiatives are a strategic priority for L2D, and we are pleased to deliver them for the benefit to all our stakeholders,” Isaacs concludes.
For this initiative, L2D partnered with Contractors Bantry Construction, and consultants such as SIP Project Managers (Pty) Ltd, Batley Partners, MLC Cost Consultants, Zutari, MNS Consulting Engineers and Cairnmead Industrial Consultants.
