Ever wondered about the giant turntable? Cresta Shopping Centre. That’s where our story begins. Right here in front of this iconic Johannesburg landmark.
Cresta Shopping Centre isn’t just a mall. It’s a piece of Johannesburg history. Opened in 1977 it’s seen decades of change. It’s grown from a community center to a massive retail destination. Today it boasts over 260 stores. It’s a super-regional shopping center. It’s home to major brands like Woolworths and Checkers. Even South Africa’s largest Dis-chem is here.
But Cresta has secrets. Do you know about the model train? It once chugged through the mall. Passengers hopped on and off at various stops. It was a quirky feature. People loved watching the train turn on a giant turntable. The turntable was more popular than the train itself. That’s what I’ve heard. They removed the train around 1992. It’s a lost piece of Cresta’s charm.
The mall didn’t stop evolving. The 1980s brought a major refurbishment. A new section was added. An outdoor fun park appeared. It had a castle and a pirate ship with water cannons. The transformation into a family-friendly mall helped its success.
A later expansion included an ice-skating rink. It was later converted into a cinema complex. More expansions happened in 2002. A third floor was added. Another parking lot opened. A theatre and restaurant complex were built. Cresta continued to grow. The most recent expansions involved remodeling and further expansion. It was announced in 2012 and 2013.
Today Cresta Shopping Centre is a vibrant hub. It’s more than just shopping. It’s a place for community. It retains a nostalgic feel. Many shoppers have been coming here for years. It represents Johannesburg’s energy and spirit. It blends old memories with modern conveniences.
The Cresta Shopping Centre. It’s a place where stories unfold. It’s a place of community and memories. A place you should explore. It’s more than just a shopping mall. It’s a Johannesburg experience.