Irene Village Mall News
| IRENE VILLAGE MALL’S GREEN CREDENTIALS Friday, 26th March 2010 Since its inception, Irene Village Mall was envisioned to reflect the farm atmosphere of its surroundings and become a green haven, different from any other shopping centre. Before the development got off the ground, a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken and approved and the site was found not to be environmentally sensitive. Baumhaus Landscape Architects were responsible for the original landscape architecture, which invariably continues to make a distinctive impression on any first-time visitor. They were careful to ensure that the plant materials were 80% indigenous and able to withstand the harsh Highveld environment, including our high-winter frost. Further sensitivity was shown in the installation of the irrigation system, which had to be able to control leaks effectively – an important consideration in this dolomite-rich area. A theme of cows, drawing on the Irene vernacular and history, was conceived to be a central feature of the mall. It runs through the sculptural, landscaping and architectural features like a golden thread and has gone on to become a well-loved brand to locals and first-time visitors alike. The Mall’s service providers were also carefully chosen to reflect the quality and style of the surrounds and our Waste Management and Landscaping contractors have proven to be doubly worth their salt! Don’t Waste Services: Master Recyclers They carefully categorise and recycle glass, metal, paper and plastic, with waste being picked up by two staff members continuously throughout the day to ensure no unsightly pile-ups. The Integrated Management System which has been implemented ensures a smooth and hassle-free operation, giving due importance to this underrated feature of daily life. The ideal would certainly be for every household and entity to manage their waste as effectively and consciously as DWS does! The percentage of refuse recycled during 2009 was on average a record 80% of all refuse generated by the business at the mall, with a massive 18 639 m3 of landfill space saved throughout the year. In 2008 they won a Golden Award from DWS for the recycling average of 72%, the highest of all the company’s sites. For the first three months of 2010, we are already on an average of 74%, with landfill space saved this year already at 3131 m3. Life Landscaping: Keeping it Green Life Landscapes won the SACSC National Service Provider of the Year for 2009 for their maintenance of the picturesque gardens at Irene Village Mall (February Press Release attached). 2010 WWF Earth Hour: We’re committed Irene Village Mall is a registered supporter of the WWF Earth Hour initiative and we intend to switch of all non-essential lights and signage on Saturday 27 March 2010 between 20:30 and 21:30. We have requested our tenants trading at that time to do the same at their own discretion. Ironically, the entire Irene experienced a power failure on Thursday 25 March and again for a short while on Friday, and we joked that our commitment to the cause was so great that we started switching off the lights early, just to bring home the point! Upcoming events at Irene Village Mall Easter weekend – face-painting; Irene the Village Mascot, handing out sweets; live entertainment in the Piazza 17 April 2010 – South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind Treasure Hunt with Garth Collins (Granite) of Survivor SA as MC 27 April 2010 Celebrity Carwash in conjunction with Reach for a Dream with Riva from Jacaranda 94.2 FM as MC May – Wine, Film and photo festival June school holiday programme including soccer field, Lego building, movie promotions and Outdoor Activities. For further details, contact Martilize Ochse – Public Relations Manager, Irene Village Mall on (012) 662 4446 or e-mail irenepr@primelife.co.za. |
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Some Cow Facts
- 1,200 construction workers built the shopping centre.
- The Tower and its water reservoir is a new landmark in Irene.
- The centre has 95 segmental arches in the brickwork.