Park Square, uMhlanga’s newest business and lifestyle development is due to open its doors in November 2018. Interfacing beautifully with its surrounds, the development offers a future-forward, people-centred destination where the surrounding communities and professionals can shop, work and connect. Hunt PR’s Melanie Rosettenstein connected with Jarryd Murray, MAP Architects Director and co-founder, to get the inside track on the vision to create a connected community through this new building.

When in 2015 Jarryd Murray and Charles Taylor, director’s at MAP Architects and his team were approached by Nedbank to design a space that would accommodate their KwaZulu-Natal team, the brief was to create a structure which would allow the easy flow of people through the development but also accommodate a 17,500m² space to house their staff in addition to general commercial and retail space.

Having grown up on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, Jarryd loves the great outdoors and has witnessed the area’s urban transformation over the years. Passionate about creating dynamic urban spaces in our landscape, it’s no wonder that on designing Park Square, he has designed a space that responds perfectly to Durban’s climate and at the same time will be a connected urban landmark on the uMhlanga Ridge.

After spending some time pinning down the vision, Jarryd and his team set about conceptualising an off-the-ground design that would see the commercial elements ‘hovering’ above a perfectly activated retail arcade and square which people could use for shopping and simply enjoying the city’s unique, outdoor lifestyle. The idea to create a connected community which would simultaneously be an exceptional business destination for professionals to work and socialise and a dynamic urban space to activate the local community, was born.

The emphasis at Park Square is undoubtedly on transparency. The simple and modular building design features raw concrete slabs, steel beams, generous concrete overhangs and glassed infills. Column placements, exposed ramps and staircases are optimised to allow for easy foot traffic flow throughout the building. “Even though Park Square has them, our brief was for the design to discourage people from using the elevators,” says Jarryd.

The development’s 36,000m² commercial element is housed on the perimeter of its upper floors and features its own rooftop which is punctuated with over 100 planters to be filled with indigenous landscaping. Abundant space to sit and take a break or meet informally is available to effectively take the office outside and into nature for the benefit of workers. “Here professionals can use the outside spaces to relax and unplug. All the offices are just a short walk from each other and this underpins the connected nature of this business community,” says Jarryd.

Nedbank’s space features a double volume lobby, a vertical garden and is open to people moving in and around the building. While the development’s western side is open and multi-levelled, the eastern side which faces the CJ Saunders Park is mostly glass. Jarryd remarks, “We wanted to create something unique on the park side which gives back to the surroundings. By using timeless glass, the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal light reflects off the building in a sensitive and ever-changing manner.”

More than 3,500m² in size, the generous open square features an amphitheatre, grassed spaces and substantially-sized planters with Fig trees that will ultimately grow to create a lush and shady canopy over the square.

The retail section opens onto the square which means shops and restaurants are easily accessible to the square as an extension of their premises. Linear directional paving channels people through the building’s elements linking with the surrounding buildings and amenities such as the CJ Saunders Park, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and a proposed nearby GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport Network stop. The square’s paving is more static and encourages people to stop and use the common break areas like benches and incidental grassy areas. Murray comments, “This space is not overly designed and has been left open, dynamic and versatile for people to use in a way which comes naturally to them.”

The retail section, approximately 4,500m2 in size, includes the Retail Arcade, the development’s main artery which seamlessly links the open square on the western side with the CJ Saunders Park on the eastern side. The arcade’s orientation allows you to see the park through the main building. The connection between the two elements is framed by the park’s trees and those on the square to bring natural elements closer. Murray says, “There are no dead ends within the building which reinforces the easy flow of people through the different sections.”

170 covered retail parking bays and approximately 50 street parking bays ensure ease of access. Among others, the confirmed tenants include a new concept Spar and Tops, Armitage Gent’s Boutique, Seattle Coffee and Mike’s Kitchen. Sergeant Coffee, Hello Hunny, The Eye Gallery, Eazi Laundromat, Pizza Hut, Medstone Pharmacy and PostNet also form part of the tenant mix that can be found at Park Square.

The 1,500m² top tier Spar will feature a 150m² Tops with whisky-tasting. Showcasing a unique aviation theme and even a reception desk, this is a brand-new concept for Durban where shoppers will enjoy a highly convenient and super trendy shopping experience. Jarryd says, “This on-trend, interactive retail experience is exactly what we envisioned when we designed Park Square. Together with our other retailers, the well-considered retail mix means that professionals and the local community won’t have to shop anywhere else.”

Responding to Durban’s warm, outdoor climate, Park Square’s open design reveals the human activity taking place within the development. The result is a visibly connected, integrated and open community where people can come together in a vibrant, urban space. While final construction continues at great pace to complete the development, Murray concludes, “We look forward to presenting this landmark development to the community as we are sure it will be a place that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.”

Visit www.parksquare.co.za to find out more.

September is tourism month. For South Africans, it is a month where it’s encouraged that we all explore and experience our beautiful country. It allows the tourism industry to have one month of the year, every year, where business booms by means of domestic tourism, and where tourism in our country is at the focal point.

Domestic tourism is a lot more affordable, and forces one to notice and experience all that our country has to offer- from mountains, to seaside- right on our doorsteps!

Durban has always been one of the most popular holiday destinations, because of the warm beaches, the valley of a thousand hills, beautiful promenades along the seaside, just to name a few.The Royal Palm Hotel is such a centrally located hotel, that it allows its guests the freedom and mobility to travel around to all the popular tourist spots that are so close by!

It’s a walk away from Gateway, a few minutes’ drive to the uMhlanga promenade, with so many unique and well known restaurants, as well as offers conferencing rooms, should you need to mix business with pleasure.  Offering luxurious rooms, all of which are suites, a  relaxing spa, gym and wellness centre, it’s a perfect escape, right on your doorstep.

Come be a tourist in uMhlanga, and allow The Royal Palm Hotel to be your home from home. Visit www.royal-palm.co.za for more details, or call +27(0)31 581 8000 to make a booking. 

Come and enjoy a beautiful day out at Chris Saunders Park, on Sunday the 23rd of September for the first ever Durban Cheese & Wine Festival! 

With wines and cheeses from all over, there will be plenty to choose from to satisfy everyone’s palette.  Wander through and try out various different wines from an array of wine farms from all over South Africa, once you have found your favourite head on over to the cheese stalls and create your own cheese board. Once you have your cheese choose from a selection of artisanal pairings such as homemade breads, peppers, charcuterie, jams and so much more.

With your vino in one hand and cheese board in the other find a comfy spot in the park and sit back and relax to the sounds of some of the very best our local acoustic talent has to offer.

 Every ticket includes a complimentary branded Durban Cheese & Wine Festival wine glass, as well as 10 taster tokens- so you’ll be able to taste any 10 wines your heart desires. 

The gates open at 11:00 on the Sunday, and the event will end at 18:00. Tickets are on sale through Webtickets at www.webtickets.co.za. Early Bird is R150, general is R170 and on the day is R190 (Kids between 2 and 13 years old get in for R30, and under 2s get in for free.) For any queries, check out the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1129194643923759/. 

Please note:No Own Food or Drink No Umbrellas with spikes No Glass No Weapons No Pass Outs No Refunds

Adhir Imrith (33) is one of the lead engineers involved in the development of Park Square - Durban’s much anticipated new mixed-use development on uMhlanga Ridge.  As an Associate at Arup South Africa, a leading global designing, planning and execution firm in the built environment, Adhir has been at the forefront of innovative design and planning over the last few years.

Adhir grew up in Durban and graduated with a BSc. Civil Engineering degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.  While completing his degree, he interned at Arup – an experience that changed his life, as well as his approach to engineering and design. In the 11 years after he joined Arup as a graduate, Adhir has been identified as a growing leader, both in the industry and in the firm. He now finds himself leading key projects with his own unique vision and drive for innovation.“At Arup we have a very specific way of embracing our role in the built environment,” explains Adhir. “We have a very on-the-ground approach to urbanisation – this means we can see design solutions from all angles, addressing multiple needs. At Arup we refer to this ‘Total Architecture’”.   

According to Adhir the concept of ‘Total Architecture’ works hand in hand with the idea of ‘Total Design’.  So, what does this mean and how do these concepts interact and ultimately impact the process?  “There is a deliberate collaboration and an added value to the wider team that comes out of a strong emphasis of working closely with both the client and the team,” he says.  “Ultimately this level of collaboration creates a better built environment,” he adds.

A great example of the power of this collaborative approach is Park Square. There was a very strong working relationship between the architect, Jarryd Murray of MAP Architects, and Imrith. Adhir unpacks the thinking: “With Park Square uMhlanga, the engineering of the structure was shaped to complement the architectural vision – but at the same time the architecture was shaped to genuinely embrace the structure of the building – the two were very much interlinked.

“Park Square’s iconic large spaces and raking columns, though required from a structural point of view, have been beautifully expressed through the architecture and design,” explains Adhir. He goes on to say that one of the greatest but fulfilling engineering challenges to overcome in the design of Park Square was the iconic Nedbank lobby. “The architectural intent for the lobby was to create a large volume with minimal support, this coupled with raking slabs, hanging walkways and complex façade interfaces resulted in two ‘chopstick’ like steel raking columns that have become a signature of the building. It is this respect and trust between structural engineer and architect that enables great architecture and design”. 

The success of Park Square’s design and development is a consequence of the extraordinary team involved and Imrith’s giant leap from graduate to associate - reflective of the impact that he has made on the development sector and uMhlanga Ridge’s most sought-after retail and premium commercial development.

To find out more about sales and letting opportunities at Park Square, contact Petal Pillay at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“The retail tenants of the much-anticipated Park Square development on the Umhlanga Ridge are going to change the way the locals see convenience.” This is a big statement from Park Square’s Ken Reynolds, Nedbank Property Finance Divisional Executive, property expert and Director of Nedport Developments, a subsidiary of Nedbank and Park Square developers. As one of the key members behind this important development, Reynolds reinforces Park Square’s focus on keenly bringing together work, leisure and convenience and given his track-record, he knows what he’s talking about. With an offering as attractive and unique – aesthetically and financially - as Park Square, Nedport has absolutely nailed their concept with the acknowledgement that the right retail and commercial mix is vital to the success of any urban hub.

Dedicated to servicing the needs of their commercial residents in addition to the burgeoning surrounding residential suburbs, this prestigious and on-point development is paving the way for Spar to be an anchor tenant in the nearly complete building – and this important tenant will be a game-changer for the greater Precinct. Mark Anderson, who has earned a solid reputation of delivering world-class retail environments (if his magnificent uMhlanga Rocks Superspar - is anything to go by) says, “Park Square is both an ideal environment for us to grow our vision to bring to market the very best concept retail offerings in KwaZulu-Natal, if not the country.” The financial viability of the developments’ location and concept is one that has made the investment particularly appealing and exciting, Anderson also confirmed.Park Square Spar Park Square is set to fulfil the core vision of the development, which will offer seamless integration for a work-play lifestyle. With its considered mix of restaurants, shops and coffee bars, Park Square will offer a connected work culture incorporating a unique leisure offering seamlessly linked to a vibrant and open urban square. The term ‘top-tier’ is not often used to describe a grocery store, but like Ken Reynolds, uMhlanga Rocks Superspar Owner, Anderson believes his new Spar, the retail anchor tenant of Park Square, will reshape how locals view their daily shopping experience.

The Park Square Spar franchise will occupy up to 1 500 square metres of space, of which 150 square metres being a TOPS.Using the reference of the uMhlanga Rocks Superspar, consumers are set to be enchanted and delighted by the offerings Spar Park Square has in store. Walking through the uMhlanga store, one is impressed with the attention to detail that has gone into the planning and daily operations of the store. At every corner you are bound to see someone sweeping, mopping or tidying up. It’s no wonder that Mark can confidently say, “I have the cleanest store in the world.” What is clearly evident when you meet the owners of the soon to be Spar Park Square, is his passion and dedication to creating a destination for the consumer that is not only entertaining but well considered. “Our driving force is to exceed our consumers expectations. People no longer want to merely shop, they want an experience. This is what we are offering to them here – and more.” Great service, convenience and a variety of offerings are the foundation of what will likely be the most talked about store in South Africa. Consumers will have plenty to choose from, from general merchandise, gifting, imported goods and home replacement meals. The home replacement meal section will offer quick, healthy and freshly made food options suitable for an array of dietary needs including but not limited to gluten-free, banting and vegan dietary needs.With convenience in mind With convenience in mind, Anderson is working on an App that will allow tenants of Park Square to order their food, pay online and pick up at the end of the day. Once the App proves successful, it will be open for uMhlanga Rocks Superspar consumers too. However, they are not solely focused on health products, but will also have a delicatessen, a pizza, burger and pita bars. Word on the street is that there will be an exclusive whiskey tasting area for the connoisseur – but this is one secret that is still under wraps for now. “We are giving the consumer the ability to choose. Spar Park Square will be a shop within a shop,” Mark adds. Designed around an aviation theme, Spar Park Square will boast interesting features such as a rickshaw from India and a reception desk made from an aeroplane cockpit, making it arguably one of the first retail grocery stores in the world to have an official reception area.Following in the footsteps of Park Square’s 4 Star Green Star rated development, Spar Park Square, will have fridges with doors allowing for an estimated saving of up 30% on electricity but most importantly, the temperature of the fridges will be kept more constant which helps to prevent bacteria.

“But retail is not just about being functional,” he adds. “The global trend is to have mixed-used development with residential and retail centred around an engaging and multi-dimensional square and this is just what Park Square offers, as the perfect complement to the thriving business hive of the uMhlanga Ridge Town Centre, making it a fully operational hub, servicing all needs,” says Anderson. “We want people “We want people to come here because there is something to see. The visibly appealing Park Square will bring beauty and vibrancy to the area too.”Mark adds, “Customers no longer want to do a grocery shop in large centres due to the long walks. They want the convenience of parking, walking straight in, shopping, and walking out.” The covered on grade retail parking bays allow for this convenience x-factor and the location and access planning of Park Square make for easy accessibility for all customers, with Park Square’s close proximity to the IRPTN bus route as well as the Chris Saunders Park. “Based on the concept and location,” a confident Anderson concludes, “we’ll have everything for tenants and the greater upper uMhlanga neighbourhood, and our opening on the 1st of November this year, can’t come soon enough.” 

To explore investment opportunities email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit: www.parksquare.co.za to find out more. 

Rapid technological advancements have gifted people with the ability to redefine their work lives. Saying goodbye to the nine-to-five, many professionals around the world are now untethered from their desks, able to work remotely from anywhere and at any time thanks to WIFI, smartphones and a whole host of other tech savvy tools. The benefits of this work method have been lauded for increasing productivity and work-happiness in employees. While it seems work may have left the building, companies and employees are still in need of future-forward spaces to connect, collaborate and share ideas.

As a result, many office developments are responding to this need by providing considered work environments that emphasize openness, transcend the idea of the daily grind and encourage a healthy work life balance in campus-style and community orientated spaces.In a 2017 article for Director, Monica Parker a behaviourist and founder of organizational change consultancy, Hatch, whose clients include Microsoft, Deloitte and the BBC says, “People always need a place to come together, and while coffee shops are great, people still like to have a place they can call a work home. I don’t think work has left the building – there is still that communal driver.”Today, companies are understanding more and more the importance of nurturing productivity through the significant benefits of open and flexible office environments. These benefits include creativity, knowledge sharing, teamwork and coordination. While Google, Apple and various other tech advanced companies have been operating like this for decades already, South Africa is just beginning to ride the crest of the flexible and open work wave.

Cue Park Square, Nedbank’s iconic R1billion mixed-use office and retail development located within uMhlanga’s New Town Centre and thriving commercial hub. Bordering the popular CJ Saunders Park and featuring innovative commercial and retail offerings, Park Square with its considered restaurants, shops and coffee bars will offer a connected work culture incorporating a unique leisure offering seamlessly linked to a vibrant and open urban square.  The Four Star Green Star-rated building, due for completion in October this year, includes 36 000m² of commercial space, 4 000m² of retail and an impressive 3 500m² open public piazza. Furthermore, it’s easily accessible to pedestrians, offers abundant parking and is close to a GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) stop. Ken Reynolds, Nedbank Property Finance Divisional Executive, property expert and Director of Nedport Developments, a subsidiary of Nedbank and Park Square’s developers says, “Projects like Park Square are effectively turning the South African urban planning paradigm around.

This innovative and connected space encourages people to think beyond the boardroom, take time to unplug and to connect with one another. By similarly drawing the surrounding communities for shopping and relaxing, the overall effect is a sociable, communal space that emphasises a convenient and balanced work life experience.” Park Square has already secured a series of high profile tenants including Nedbank, Spar and the IBV International Vaults.

Spar Marketing Manager, Travis Anderson says, “Customers no longer want to shop in large centres. They want the convenience of parking, walking straight into the building, doing their shop and walking straight out. We love Park Square because of its convenient location in a fast-developing area and its proximity to the CJ Saunders park which will allow us extra exposure as we piggy back off activities held there.” Reynolds says, “If you can imagine your day like this; arrive at work with your barista-made coffee in hand, in a reusable mug of course, use the morning for planning and responding to mails followed by a quick jog around the park at lunch, tuck into an artisanal deluxe sandwich bought from the Spar then attend afternoon meetings and drinks in the Square with your new client? Then you have imagined a day at Park Square.” Not forgetting profitability, a positive work environment increases productivity and in turn can have a significant impact on a company’s success. A reduction in staff downtime having amenities within walking distance of employee’s desks also reduces stress, as well as the lunch-hour rush with staff being able to avoid having to leaving the campus for their various requirements – from healthcare to lunch and even a spot of recreational shopping. Reynolds says, “Park Square offers mutual benefit for the employer and the employees with its unique commercial and lifestyle aspects. This world-class destination offers a win-win situation for both, where staff benefit by working in an open, future-forward environment and companies reap the rewards on their bottom line,” he concludes.  

To explore investment opportunities, contact Samantha Stewart (082 903 0828/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or visit: www.parkquare.co.za to find out more.