Cascades Lifestyle Centre is Pietermaritzburg’s only boutique lifestyle shopping centre that offers beautifully maintained facilities. Ranging from open-air restaurants, several sports and outdoor shops, boutiques, big brands stores, and multiple exercise facilities, it’s the perfect one-stop shop to get essential and luxury items, while breathing in the fresh air from the lush natural surrounding environment. “Cascades is small enough for absolute shopping convenience and big enough to cater to all your household, food, and social needs.”
There is something for everyone at Cascades Lifestyle Centre, which sets it apart from other shopping centres. It welcomes the whole family, those seeking the thrill of adventure, a fun and fancy night out or simply to have a relaxing stroll in the park. The gorgeous surrounding scenery is one attraction not to be missed. It comprises the Cascades MTB Park, which is separately managed, and the stream which starts from there, winding its way right through the outside of the centre. The walkway bridge into the centre is the perfect spot to take a few selfies with friends! Two restaurants face the MTB Park, Atasca, offering fine dining and a Portuguese menu; and Olive & Oil. Both have outdoor seating and are ideal for enjoying delicious food while soaking in the fresh air and sunshine. For the outdoor enthusiasts, sporting events are held at the MTB Park like the mountain biking XCO and XCC South African National Championship and several other cycling events. The trails are also perfect for runners or walkers. Other events are held at the bottom of the MTB Park, which includes monthly outdoor movie nights, music and comedy events, and in the past, we hosted food and wine events. To supplement outdoor fitness, Virgin Active gym is located right next door to the Cascades centre and is a short saunter away, making fitness convenient for all.
Apart from the fine dining at Atasca and Olive & Oil, there are a range of other restaurants and cafés to look out for, like Coffeeberry Café and Woolworths Café, both have seating facing the piazza area and are more casual. Spur, which welcomes the whole family and kids to play at their leisure; and Friendhouse, to satisfy that sushi craving or to try their delicious Asian menu.
The team at Cascades Lifestyle Centre also keeps active and loves charity work. They have several different drives aimed toward specific needs in or around the community. Some of these include food, clothing, sanitary pads, and pet food drives, to name a few. They are currently doing a new or used toy drive to donate to organisations that will gift to children who would typically not get any toys on Christmas day. Other initiatives include handing out scarves at Life Boat on Mandela Day or spending World Homeless Day with the PMB Homeless Network.
With the festive and holiday seasons approaching, Cascades Lifestyle Centre will be adorned with Christmas garlands and wreaths, and this year’s theme is gingerbread which customers can expect to see incorporated into all the walkways. Don’t forget the famous 10-metre Christmas tree that is hoisted on the piazza. It is decorated with the traditional Christmas-coloured baubles and fairy lights that would make it feel magical, especially at night—a sight worth seeing! Catch a glimpse of the gingerbread men standing around the bottom of the tree, made out of Astro turf, specially ordered for the centre. For a South African touch, customers can also see a wallpaper of Santa braaing where they can take a few selfies with their friends and family. Other festive touches include Christmas wrapping offered by PMB Animal Rescue & Rehome (P.A.R.R.) to raise funds for their organisation, carolling from the Salvation Army, and a fresh Christmas playlist to set the atmosphere.
The centre runs numerous competitions so look out for monthly shop and win with weekly draws where a charity of choice receives R4000 every week. There are exciting promotions every month, so keep an eye out for updates on the Facebook and Instagram pages. The Connect Kiosk with friendly staff is inside the centre just outside Royal Smokers where customers can learn more about upcoming competitions, apply for a Moms and Tots disk or simply ask a question. Gift cards are available at Centre Management.
Amenities include family toilets located on the piazza and inside the centre, easily accessible for parents and their little ones. Wheelchairs are available for customers who need them while shopping. Additionally, with free Wi-Fi and a steady power supply, ample free, secured, covered, shaded, and disabled-friendly parking spaces, you can feel completely at ease spending as much time as you need at Cascades Lifestyle Centre.
While there are currently no expansions, a revamp is planned for the new year to give the centre an updated look and feel. This will complement their recent retiling and upgrades in the lift atrium. Customers can watch this space as it continues to transform and evolve into one of Pietermaritzburg’s most loved and enjoyed lifestyle centres.
Contact details – 033 347 1486
General enquiries – cascadeslifestylecentre@ducatus.co.za
Leasing enquiries – michelle@ducatus.co.za
Photo Credit: Michelle Chinnu