Millions flock to CT's newest attraction

CAPE Town's newest retail and leisure destination, Canal Walk, attracted 1,5m visitors in the first three weeks since opening on October 26.
According to general manager, Mickey Radowsky, attendances had exceeded management's expectations by about 40%.
"When more than 430 000 visitors came in the first four-day weekend, I had expected the numbers to drop substantially, but in the second week we were clocking up between 53 000 and 86 000 visitors on weekdays and almost 200 000 for the second weekend we were open," said Radowsky.
The millionth guest was achieved on Tuesday, November 7 - within 12 days of opening.
Situated at Century City on the N1 towards Paarl, Canal Walk is said to be the largest shopping centre in Africa with close to 400 shops. The centre is anchored on one end by Dockside Nightclub and Ratanga Junction theme park, and on the other by Intaka Island, a wetlands conservation area.
Meanwhile, mid-December will see the opening of the 147-room hotel, Canal Walk Express, on the canal between the shopping centre and Ratanga Junction. The hotel is a joint venture between Monex (Century City's owners) and the Southern Sun group.

(Miguel de Sousa)