Major shopping mall in South Africa set for huge opening next month
Somerset Mall in Cape Town is undergoing a massive renovation, with the first phase opening to the public next month.
JSE-listed Hyprop announced last year that the mall in Somerset West would undergo a large redevelopment.
The 70,000 sqm mall is already the dominant shopping destination in the Helberberg region of the Western Cape, and is situated on the busy intersection of the N2 and R44 highways.
The mall attracts around 10 million visitors annually, and the redevelopment is set to increase foot traffic, tenant revenue, and regional investment.
The mall would see an additional 5,500 sqm of retail space added, while 50 new stores are also set to enter the mall.
Opening 20 November 2025, phase one of the expansion will add over 5,000 sqm of new retail space.
The first phase will add 26 new stores to complement the existing fashion offerings.
The expansion represents the most significant investment in the mall’s recent history and aims to increase capacity and the mall’s reputation as the leading retail destination in the region.
The expansion introduces several new retail arrivals, which include the Safari Collection making its South African debut and Napapijri opening its first Western Cape location.
The Helderberg region will also welcome its first Skechers, Anta, Lego, Bella Luna, New Balance, Burnt, Curve Gear, Nicci Boutique and JD Sports stores.
Other South African brands coming to the mall include Bootlegger, Colourbox, and Old School.
Over 1,2000 jobs have been created during construction, including contractors, subcontractors and professional consultants.
Once the new retail space is operational, it is expected to sustain an additional 400 jobs in the long term.
“It’s not just about growth in sqm. We view this as a way to contribute meaningfully to local economic development,” said Nicholas Oliphant, General Manager at Somerset Mall.
“This project is centred around job creation, commercial inclusion and long-term sustainability.”
During the expansion, construction activities have been confined to the rear of the building, ensuring that shoppers and tenants remain unaffected during the upgrade process.
Despite the construction, the mall has maintained foot traffic and tenant turnover.
Internal improvements are being rolled out across the existing space, including new floor tiling, bathroom renovations, and the addition of a Rubicon Supercharger Charge Station.
Looking ahead
The restoration of the mall is being done in two phases, with the second phase launching in July 2026.
Hyprop said that phase two will introduce a Freedom Interactive Park, which it believes will add a unique entertainment dimension to the tenant mix.
This recreational concept will combine technology and social connection in a high-traffic area.
“We’re not reinventing Somerset Mall; we are refining it,” said Wayne Abegglen, Portfolio Executive Western Cape of Hyprop.
“We are enhancing the experience, broadening our offering and ensuring that what we build now will still feel right ten years from now.”
Images of Somerset Mall
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