If you are a resident or visitor to Durban, chances are you’re familiar with the La Lucia Mall situated within Durban North. This 37,286m² landmark has been an iconic shopping destination in the region for over four decades. However, it had been over 15 years since the last upgrade and refurbishment of the mall. That is until M3 Africa Consulting was appointed by Growthpoint Properties Ltd. to manage the project.

La Lucia Mall an exclusive shopping destination

A hallmark of bespoke shops and local names, La Lucia Mall is synonymous with luxury shopping. The mall first opened its doors in 1974 and has since undergone several expansion projects to become the retail centre that it is today. Over the past four decades, La Lucia Mall has become a beloved landmark in the Durban area and has played an important role in shaping the region’s retail landscape.

As one of the oldest and most well-known shopping centres in the area, La Lucia Mall has an estimate of 130 stores and has become a space for shopping, dining, and entertainment. These stores include a diverse mix of local and international retailers, ranging from fashion and accessories to home goods, electronics, and specialty stores. Additionally, the mall offers a variety of dining options and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to shop, dine, and socialise in one convenient location.

The recent refurbishment and upgrade project undertaken by Growthpoint Properties and M3 Africa Consulting has ensured that the mall continues to provide a high-quality shopping experience for visitors while maintaining its status as a cultural icon in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Hands-on approach from M3 Africa

As a leading project management and consulting firm based in KwaZulu-Natal, M3 Africa Consulting has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. The La Lucia Mall refurbishment and upgrade project was no exception. Led by Darroll McKeown, the M3 Africa team was able to deliver on their promise of minimal disruption to shoppers, retailers, and local stakeholders throughout the construction process.

Working in an operating shopping environment presents unique challenges, but the M3 Africa team was up to the task. We worked tirelessly to ensure that the work was done at a high pace without compromising safety. From inception through design, construction, commissioning, completion, and handover, Darroll McKeown managed all aspects of the development with meticulous attention to detail.

What was the scope?

The La Lucia Mall project was extensive and included:

• Major alterations and remodelling of the four main public entrances into the centre.
• Renovations were made to all external facades and lighting to all parking areas.
• Replacement of all internal public area ceilings, bulkheads, lighting, and floor finishes.
• Major remodeling and renovation of all public ablutions throughout the centre
• New signage, shopfronts, and furniture in public zones.

Additionally, the renovation of the Atrium space included cleaning and cladding of the splayed columns and installation of timber slat modern feature detail. The newly renovated ablutions were designed to give off that “spa” look and feel. While we managed the project efficiently and effectively, we did face the challenge of  ensuring this revamp was being undertaken while the mall was fully operational throughout construction.

M3 Africa’s role and responsibilities

At M3 Africa, we were privileged to serve as the Project Manager and Principal Agent for this major mall revamp project. Our responsibilities included managing all contractors, consultants, and stakeholders involved in the project while reporting directly to the client at Board level.

Throughout the project’s lifecycle, we were involved in all aspects of its management, starting from the initial client brief to the construction phase and all the way through to the close-out stage. We were committed to ensuring that every step of the process was executed with excellence and that the project met or exceeded the client’s expectations.

Our role was to oversee every aspect of the project, from scheduling and budgeting to quality control and risk management. We worked closely with all contractors, consultants, and stakeholders to ensure that everyone was aligned and working towards the same goals.

At M3 Africa, we take pride in our ability to manage complex projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Our experience in managing construction projects of all sizes and complexities allows us to offer our clients a comprehensive suite of services that cover every aspect of the construction process.

Exceptionally happy clients

Growthpoint Properties Ltd. prides itself on providing its retail tenants and customers with the best environments for shopping. They expected exemplar performance from all the service providers they used. M3 Africa Consulting exceeded these expectations and delivered the project to the highest standards.

“M3 Africa have led the team exceptionally well throughout this intricate and challenging project. Their Directors have taken personal ownership of all issues and driven the project forward with a firm and fair hand thus making all the difference in delivering to the highest standards expected by us as the clients and our stakeholders,” Marius Els, Development Manager from Growthpoint Properties.

The successful completion of the La Lucia Mall refurbishment and upgrade project is a testament to M3 Africa Consulting’s expertise and commitment to excellence. If you are looking for a project management and consulting firm that can deliver results beyond your expectations, then M3 Africa Consulting is the right choice for you.