These days, entering Highland Park Mall evokes a profound and tangible sense; the grand opening of Phase 2 has enhanced the mall’s status as Harare’s crown jewel of contemporary shopping.
Prime location:
Highlands, a community made up mostly of single-family detached homes and Edwardian row houses, is becoming an increasingly sought-after area of luxury and distinction. The elegant Highland Park Mall, which has expanded into Phase 2 and represents a first-class lifestyle, is proudly located in the area.
Despite the fact that Harare has a number of upscale districts, Highlands is still arguably the wealthiest. One gets the impression that Highlands is unlike any other area, whether it is because of its unique natural setting, breathtaking views of downtown Harare, or its more appealing and tranquil features that make it the perfect place to live. This location has been enhanced by Highland Park Phase 2, which has transformed dining and shopping there into an idyllic experience.
The Highlands suburb welcomed its most prestigious new development and the beautiful gentrification of the area with the inauguration of Highland Park Mall Phase 1 in June 2022. The area’s residential properties are being purchased and demolished more frequently to make room for prestigious office complexes and apartments, giving the suburb’s constantly evolving skyline a vibrant new look.
Flagship stores:
Tenant occupation is happening quickly at the Highland Park Phase 2; the majority of the stores have already opened for business. At the time of Structure & Design Magazine’s visit there (middle of February), a couple of shops had not yet opened but had posted “Opening Soon” signs.
The overall number of stores, eateries, and other enterprises in Phase 2 is about twenty-five new shops. Spur, Ocean Basket, and Roco Mamas are among the Simbisa businesses that have flagship stores at the complex. First Capital Bank, Booties Pharmacy, Liquor Supplies, Safari Trading Company, and others add to a roster of tenants that will support Highlands and its surrounding areas.
The tenants’ diverse range of sectors and offers is primarily made up of food outlets, followed by stores selling adult and child apparel, books, pharmacies, and banks.
“Highland Park Mall Phase 2 has been developed with contemporary amenities, with Spurs having a large play area for children, and then lots of coffee shops and food outlets, and a fountain area for playing,” said Mark Gardiner, Managing Director at African Horizon Construction, the building contractor for the project.
In addition, he mentioned that children can play on an artificial turf field with creatures resembling jungle gyms and climb on them. The majority of restaurants provide designated green spaces for outside sitting.
The building design:
Accessibility for individuals with impairments was given priority in the design, as is typical of the majority of contemporary structures in the country. At Phase 2, an elevator is being erected to provide access to the first-floor stores and Buffalo Ridge Spur. In addition, there is a parking space designated for drivers with disabilities and accessible walkways for the convenience of those with impairments.
Large windows and storefronts demonstrate how the design uses ventilation and natural light to let light in overall. It’s a simple yet creative idea to use sunscreens installed for dual purposes—to hold advertising and protect the stores from the intense afternoon sun.
Materials used for the buildings:
Phase 2 incorporates a number of distinctive design features that stand out, such as a water fountain, an elevator on the outside of the building, and walkways constructed from imported Bosun pavers.
In contrast to imported materials, the developer, African Horizon Construction, has chosen to obtain the majority of steel, concrete, cement, bricks, aggregates, plumbing supplies, and other items locally. Materials such as electrical components, aluminium, and sheeting were imported.
The structures have recycled elements like sunblock integrated within them. Day or night switches on all external lighting systems and solar backup for certain stores are further sustainable features.
The building’s overall utility and beauty are enhanced by the materials that were selected. The design of the unique mall, which represented the mall’s great location and target demographic of Highlands suburb, made use of high-quality materials.
Gardiner admitted that the selection of materials was indicative of broader patterns in Zimbabwean building, especially in upscale areas. “Modernising the designs is definitely in style because most Zimbabwean structures are over 20 years old and in need of renovation,” said Gardiner.
Landscaping:
Following the design guidelines of Phase 1, native plants were used, evaporation-reducing landscaping was completed, and trees were preserved in original gardens. In this manner, the landscaping plan enhances the building’s usefulness and blends in with the overall architecture.
“The shopping complex and parking lot were planned around the existing trees from the original garden. Additionally, trees that impeded the construction were relocated to more advantageous locations so they could keep growing,” he said.
The upmarket area’s profile has further increased thanks to Highland Park Mall Phase 2, and as the mall develops into a new centre of affluent living, real estate values will rise. The community’s growing property prices and local rentals all make reference to the mall’s close proximity, one of the most significant and closely observed aspects of the real estate industry.
Text by Martin Chemhere
Images by Fotohaus
