
Gateway Gives North Node A Fresh Lifestyle Upgrade
Gateway’s North Node Evolves Into a Lifestyle-Focused Destination
By Underground Press
Published Tuesday, 12 May 2026 11:47
KwaZulu-Natal, 12 May 2026: Gateway Theatre of Shopping is continuing to move forward with its phased redevelopment plans, as work on the north node lifestyle precinct nears completion. The latest upgrades form part of a wider strategy aimed at improving navigation throughout the centre, increasing convenience for visitors and adapting to evolving consumer expectations through more modern, experience-focused spaces.
Positioned as a concentrated hub for food, fashion and everyday essentials, the revitalised north node has been moulded to make longer visits and navigation easier, while strengthening Gateway’s role as a leading experiential retail destination in KwaZulu-Natal.

A Refreshed Space Built Around Convenience and Connection
The updated north node offers shoppers a clearer, more cohesive environment that brings together dining, grocery and lifestyle retail in one accessible area of the mall. The layout has been designed to feel open and contemporary, supporting natural movement between stores while creating a setting that invites shoppers to pause, meet and spend time.
A strengthened dining selection provides options for both casual meals and sit-down dining, while trend-led athleisure and footwear brands reflect the growing demand for comfort-driven, everyday fashion. The introduction of a new Checkers, opening in June, will add a major grocery anchor to the precinct, enhancing convenience and drawing regular footfall into the node alongside Dis-Chem.

A Curated Mix of Dining and Lifestyle Brands
The north node features vibrant new openings and established favourites. Recent additions include Nine Sky, offering contemporary Asian cuisine, The Curry House with its focus on authentic Indian flavours, Pontos serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes and Bootlegger Coffee Company, known for premium coffee and café-style meals.
These are supported by familiar names such as Kauai, catering to health-conscious shoppers, and McDonald’s at entrance 9, providing convenient fast food. The fashion and athleisure brands include Boardriders, Burnt, Converse, Lizzard, New Balance, Puma, Ripcurl, RVCA, Skechers, Studio 88, Under Armour, Totalsports and Vans, creating a focused retail mix aligned to current lifestyle trends.
The completion of the north node will mark an important milestone within Gateway’s ongoing redevelopment, with the precinct now playing a defined role as a lifestyle destination, extending far beyond shopping. As further phases continue, the north node stands as a clear example of how targeted upgrades can reshape the way shoppers experience the centre.
For regular updates on the centre’s revamp, new stores and other information, go to the website gatewayworld.co.za or follow Gateway on social media: instagram.com

