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If you’re old enough, you might remember that glorious moment when Umhlanga’s Gateway Theatre of Shopping first opened.
It was 27 September 2001, touted as the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Shops, restaurants, entertainment- we had it all at our fingertips.
Now, this mammoth mall has just celebrated its 25th birthday – with new stores, fresh experiences, prizes, and a special treat for 25 young dreamers.
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What’s new at Gateway?
The centre has grown from approximately 118,000m² to around 176,000m², with its store count increasing from about 117 to more than 380. Today, it welcomes more than 24 million visitors a year and provides employment for over 5,000 people.
And it doesn't stop there!
Gateway’s latest additions reflect the growing trend of shopping centres offering more than just retail therapy. Here are some of the new concepts to look out for.
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1. Aura: Coffee with a robotic twist
Coffee lovers can look forward to Aura, a premium coffee concept featuring a robotic barista. The offering includes organic coffees sourced from Africa and South America, alongside luxury desserts and wellness treats.
2. Fairways: A lifestyle concept for golf fans
Golf enthusiasts have a new destination to explore with Fairways, a dedicated golf lifestyle concept joining Gateway’s retail mix.
3. Shooters: Games, food and friendly competition
Looking for something to do with friends beyond browsing the shops? Shooters will bring competitive socialising to Gateway, combining games, food, drinks and events.
4. Liverpool and Foschini stores
Football fans can look forward to a bespoke Liverpool store, while fashion shoppers can check out the new flagship Foschini store.
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Gateway celebrates with 25 young dreamers
One of the birthday celebrations had a particularly meaningful twist.
In partnership with Auto-emotive and Reach For A Dream, Gateway hosted a Charity Car Run allowing 25 young dreamers to choose their favourite supercar for a thrill ride around the centre.
The experience continued with a morning of family fun and birthday cake, creating a special celebration for the children and their families.
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Win a Gateway birthday experience worth R10,000
Gateway is also sharing the birthday celebrations with shoppers through a competition offering four prizes valued at R10,000 each.
The experiences cover four categories: fashion, beauty, entertainment and fine dining. Four winners will each have the opportunity to enjoy a Gateway experience tailored to their interests.
“Reaching 25 years is a milestone we wanted to share,” says Ayesha Sewbaran, Marketing Manager at Gateway. “Whether that means discovering something new, winning an incredible experience or helping create a memorable morning for 25 very special Dreamers, this celebration is about the community that has grown with us.”
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