Go on, treat yourself differently. Visit uMhlanga Arch and revel in your change of pace and place.
From the exterior, there’s little that gives away what’s inside. Glide up the escalator to the retail floor, and there it is, a gloriously contemporary oasis encircled by towering residential and commercial structures. The most arresting elements are the faceted mirrors of glass every which way you look – from the iconic arch-like gap in the façade, to the shop fronts and surrounding buildings. There’s a strong sense of connectedness between the never-ending movement of the world outside reflecting on the glass and the deep sense of pause you feel in here.
Sitting sipping a sensational cappuccino there’s a steady trickle of people focused on their destination – breakfast or beauty outlet – laptops and phones poised for business or pleasure.
The uMhlanga Arch was conceptualised by a dynamic group of developers with a heart for people and the City of Durban. “The vision for the open yard space was to create not only an aesthetically appealing space, but an experiential environment too, tapping into local business and creating a unique high street experience for consumers looking for authentic, destination retail,” comments Marc Rosenberg, uMhlanga Arch Asset Manager.
The attention to detail in this space is immensely pleasing. From the shop front canopies, the quaint bistro seating, charcoal and brick walls, living green planters and spouting water features, a combination of materials and moods that really work well together.
Strolling down the High Street, it feels as if your every need could be catered for, with quality winning over quantity. You can shop some serious international brands here, Assouline, Cartier, Birkenstocks, DL1961 jeans wear, Etro and Karl Lagerfeld to name a few for the shopper looking to stay on trend season after season.
Each exquisitely curated window display pulls you in, as does the bright Broadway lights of signage and logos, well-tended greenery and big screen. There’s a real feeling of doing things differently.
For both men and women, pampering is at its premium, with good looking barber shops, an onsite tailor and stylish beauty salons. Functional for sure but good looks matter here!
There’s a slow-shopping boutique feel, where everything is exclusive, and nothing is too much trouble. Wine or fragrance, stylish clothes or homeware, signature jewellery pieces and accessories – you’ll find what you’re looking for.
You can feel the buzz and hear the laughter, designed to be sociable, with oodles of green or cobblestoned space for everyone and everything from a traditional pub to a wide-open eatery and rooftop bar. Whatever you feel like eating, drinking, enjoying or listening to, it’s there for the taking.
“Our development is truly a space to enjoy yourself, make memories and extract real value. We believe uMhlanga Arch will be the benchmark for the Live, Work, Stay, Play model and remain excited for what it will bring to the City of Durban,” says Marc.
There is no finer place with better KZN coastline viewpoints in Durban for those who live, shop and socialise selectively and love life to be different.
Visit us at 1 Ncondo Place, uMhlanga Ridge.
Store directory
Retail:
- Empiro: 031 301 2564; www.empiro.co.za
- Amanda Ferri: 031 566 3745; www.amandaferri.co.za
- ONE; Mind, Body, Soul: 065 712 0320; www.onemindbodysoul.co.za
- Breazies: 071 354 8293; www.breazies.com
- The Gentry: 031 007 0040; www.thegentry.co.za
- Holiday Harbour: 087 460 0061; www.holidayresortwear.com
- Mark Gold: 082 422 1142; www.markgold.net
Wellness:
- Skin Renewal: 031 566 3590; www.skinrenewal.co.za
- Hello Hunny: 031 940 6829; www.hellohunny.co.za
- Moustache Barber: 076 555 5014; www.moustache-barber-ballito.business.site
Eat.Drink:
- The Baron: umhlanga@thebaron.co.za; www.thebaron.co.za
- Legacy Yard & Back Yard: info@legacyyard.com