6 new shopping malls launching in South Africa

Property developer Abland has several new malls and retail centres in the pipeline for Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Despite economic challenges in recent years, the company remains committed to rolling out new retail centres, catering to an evolving consumer landscape in both urban and rural settings.

Among Abland’s upcoming projects is the much-anticipated the Groot Phesantekraal Shopping Centre in Durbanville, which spans 30,000 square meters, and the Mopane View Retail Mall in Soshanguve.

These developments reflect a deliberate shift by Abland to bring modern retail experiences to less densely populated areas that previously lacked extensive retail options.

Other projects in the pipeline include the Central Blue Retail Centre, East Point, and Saxdowne Retail Centre, most of which are also planned for locations in the Western Cape.

This geographic focus highlights a broader trend in South Africa’s retail development: an increasing interest in rural and semi-rural areas. Since 2022, rural retail has become a hotspot for developers, with several smaller malls of around 10,000 square meters cropping up in underserved communities.

This pivot towards rural areas stems from the demand for local access to quality retail services and essential goods, which previously required residents to travel to city centres.

One reason retail development is thriving in South Africa despite economic struggles is the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

Developers like Abland recognise that retail spaces are more than just shopping locations; they’re hubs for community interaction and convenience, especially in areas where such amenities have been historically limited.

By situating new malls in remote and rural areas, developers tap into an underserved consumer base eager for modern shopping experiences closer to home.

Furthermore, these retail investments align with South Africa’s broader economic goals of creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving infrastructure.

Each new mall brings employment opportunities during both the construction and operation phases, fostering economic activity in regions often overshadowed by urban centres.

Despite the economic downturn, retail development remains a promising avenue for growth, one that caters to South Africans’ evolving needs while helping to uplift local economies across the nation.

The six new centres are detailed below.

Groot Phesantekraal View

• Location: Cnr of Okavango Rd and the R312, Klipheuwel Rd, Durbanville
• Size: 30,000 sqm
• Completion Date: Q2 2025

The Groot Phesantekraal View Shopping Centre in Durbanville, Cape Town, is set to open in July 2025.

This large, approximately 30,000-square-meter complex will be located at the intersection of Okavango Road and Klipheuwel Road.

Designed to serve the expanding Durbanville area, it is expected to feature a diverse range of retail, dining, and leisure options aimed at creating a community-focused shopping experience.

The centre’s opening is anticipated to increase local property demand, as it will bring greater convenience and attract more visitors to the region.

Mopane View

• Location: Intersection of M35 and M39 in Soshanguve
• Size: 24,000 sqm
• Completion Date: TBC

The Mopane View Retail Mall project, located in Soshanguve near Pretoria, is in the planning and design stages, and its development is expected to start in 2024.

It will cover about 24,000 square meters and is situated at a high-traffic intersection along the M35 and M39 roads.

The mall is anticipated to serve as an anchor development for the Mopane Precinct, a larger mixed-use area designed to support the local community with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Lion Pride Shopping Centre

• Location: CNR Malibongwe Drive & R114, Nietgedacht
• Size: 7,500 sqm
• Completion Date: June 2025

Perfectly located on the corner of the R114 and Oslo Road, Lion Pride Shopping Centre will soon emerge as a vibrant landmark just a stone’s throw away from Malibongwe Drive and the bustling N14 highway.

Amidst the whirl of development and growth in this rapidly expanding area, Lion Pride promises to be a beacon of convenience and community.

With an approximate GLA of 7 500m², this centre aims to provide the ultimate shopping experience, catering to the diverse needs of residents.

Lion Pride Shopping Centre is poised to become the heartbeat of this dynamic and evolving landscape, offering a haven of convenience to the community.

The Lion Pride has the following tenants listed in its tenant plan:

• Checkers
• Checkers LiquorShop
• PEP
• PEP Home
• Clicks
• Pick n Pay Clothing
• Milady’s
• Steers

Central Blue Retail Centre

• Location: M54 and Endurance Road, Blue Downs, Cape Town
• Size: 8,000 sqm
• Completion Date: TBC

The Central Blue Retail Centre in Cape Town is part of the Central Blue development in Blue Downs and aims to serve as a community-centred shopping destination.

This 8,000-square-meter retail facility is set to include two anchor tenants, various line stores, and a food court, along with a filling station and a restaurant pavilion designed as a central architectural highlight.

The development intends to cater to the needs of the local Blue Downs community, promoting a lively retail environment within the larger residential project at Central Blue.

The retail centre, which will form the heart of the broader Central Blue estate, integrates with other amenities like parks, a private school, and family-friendly recreation areas.

The estate’s design prioritises safety, connectivity, and a community atmosphere to benefit residents and visitors alike.

For those looking to stay updated on Central Blue’s progress, the development team shares periodic updates directly with prospective buyers and investors.

East Point

• Location: Mareka Street, Vanderbijlpark
• Size: 10,000 sqm
• Completion Date: TBC

The Shopping Centre is located on the eastern side of Vanderbijlpark, and the area is largely residential.

This key location is a central point of connection, an intersection between the city and townships, such as Boipatong and Sharpeville, which have both historical and cultural value.

The proposed shopping experience aims to accommodate the range of users in the area by presenting a mix of retail experiences ranging from grocers to fashion and restoration.

According to the developers, East Point’s arch nature allows for maximum visibility and exposure from the streets. The site can be accessed through Westrup Street on the northern side and Mareka Street on the northeastern side.

Saxdowne Retail Centre

• Location: C/o Stellenbosch Arterial & Saxdowne Roads
• Size: 6,000 sqm
• Completion Date: TBC

The Saxdowne Retail Centre, located in Cape Town at the intersection of Stellenbosch Arterial and Saxdowne Road, is a 6,000m² convenience-focused shopping centre currently under development.

Designed with ease of access in mind, the centre will be anchored by Shoprite and Clicks, ensuring a strong foundation in essential retail services.

The development emphasises accessibility, intending to cater to local residents and travellers along this key route in Cape Town’s industrial areas.

Further details on the construction timeline or anticipated completion have not been widely publicised, but the project is actively advancing toward becoming a central retail hub.

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