KwaZulu-Natal, 28 October 2025: Gateway Theatre of Shopping is entering an exciting new phase of its extensive refurbishment, bringing a fresh and modern look to key areas of the popular centre. With significant progress already made in the northern node, the latest updates focus on enhancing shopper convenience, aesthetics and functionality to ensure a world-class retail and lifestyle destination.
Northern Node Transformation Elevates The Shopping Experience
The renovations in the northern node, spanning the area from the fountain outside Edgars, leading to the point of entry into the Expo Explore Node housing the flagship Toys R Us, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Dischem, amongst others, are almost complete, which marks another milestone in Gateway’s ongoing evolution. This phase introduces a sleek contemporary aesthetic, elevating the shopping environment with newer modern finishes, a refined layout with upgraded ablutions.
Other noticeable changes included large-format porcelain tiling in a sophisticated neutral palette, complemented by modern ceiling treatments and upgraded lighting. These improvements are designed to optimize navigation, improve shopper flow, and create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall retail experience.
A Dynamic New Look for the Expo Explore Node
The changes to the Expo Explore Node itself, which are underway, signal a significant transformation, with an emphasis on both aesthetics and functionality. New escalators will be strategically positioned to improve convenience and vertical access between both the ground and first floor levels.
The renovation here includes modern updated floor tiling and a refined treatment of the existing demising columns, maintaining a cohesive design language in line with the northern mall’s upgrade. A striking raked ceiling installation with concealed feature lighting will also be introduced to create a welcoming ambience, while new clerestory windows will allow natural light to filter into the space, uplifting the overall shopping environment.
New Anchor Introduced to the Expo Explore Node
Waves of change are coming to the mall. A new era unfolds with the biggest addition being the introduction of a new Checkers Fresh X into the centre. Feysel Potgieter, General Manager of Gateway, states, “We are thrilled to welcome Checkers Fresh X to Gateway as part of the exciting waves of change currently shaping our mall. This is in addition to the current Checkers Hyper on the lower ground level and will enhance convenience, variety, and the overall shopping experience for our customers. Checkers X is set to open at the end of quarter two in 2026, and we look forward to sharing more details on this landmark development in the months ahead,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Gateway acknowledges the patience and support of its tenants and shoppers throughout this extensive renovation process. While construction presents challenges, the improvements being made are designed to ensure that Gateway remains at the forefront of retail and lifestyle trends, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for all who visit the centre, for years to come.
As Gateway continues the upgrade, the mall invites shoppers to discover the evolving transformation that is already reshaping the future of the centre.
For further information and updates on the centre’s revamp, go to the website gatewayworld.co.za or follow Gateway on social media: Instagram.com.