Major shopping mall in South African tourism hotspot gets R80 million overhaul
Property investment group Twin City has completed a multi-million-rand overhaul of the Lowveld Mall in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, upgrading one of the region’s most popular retail destinations.
The 65,000-square-metre regional mall is located at the gateway to the Kruger National Park, making it a popular stop for travellers while also serving local residents.
MDS Architecture was appointed by the project manager to reimagine the existing mall, with Matla Quantity Surveyors estimating the redevelopment cost at R80 million.
According to MDS, the mall had lost its identity over time, and the redesign became about making it a contemporary interpretation of a “bushveld boutique lodge”.
Twin City CEO Ryno de Leeuw said the redevelopment was about serving and reflecting the surrounding community.
“Lowveld Mall has been transformed into something the Hazyview and greater region can be proud of, and we believe it sets a new benchmark for what repositioning of existing retail facilities can achieve in the South African context,” he said.
Construction commenced in March 2025, and the new design was completed in early February 2026.
All work proceeded while tenants continued operating, which resulted in managed phasing and significant after-hours work.
One of the largest components of the redesign was building a new external food court and entertainment area, which now extends into a portion of the car park for more space.
The architects said they focused on cohesive design and natural light, while maintaining the “bush lodge” feel.
Other features include a grassed area, an informal amphitheatre, large screens to host live sporting events, a large children’s play area, and a fountain water-spout feature.
The build added a new learning centre above a portion of the new entertainment area, where schoolchildren can learn, study and go online.
This new facility complements the children’s creche already operating within the shopping centre, which is exclusively geared for the centre and retail staff.
Inside the existing mall, redesigns have been implemented across the mall, with particular focus on the Pick n Pay court leading to the new entertainment area, as well as refurbished public ablutions.
The mall now also features more cultural and artistic design, with murals depicting African fables and hand-painted abstract images of the bushveld, providing a cohesive look across the centre.
Life-size wildlife sculptures are now also present, referencing the proximity of Kruger National Park and the region’s ecological richness.
Photos of the redeveloped Lowveld Mall
Image Credit: Twin City
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