New lifestyle shopping mall opening in South Africa’s richest city

The Lenz Quarter in Lenasia, Johannesburg, will open in October this year, and work on the construction site has commenced.

Retail Network Services said that the lifestyle centre will be a first for Lenasia in Gauteng, offering convenience retail and lifestyle shopping.

The centre will open on 30 October, and work on the site has commenced but is in its early stages. Retail Network Service’s retail strategists and leasing specialists curated the tenant mix.

The 11,000 sqm of pure retail space will house over 30 retailers, with anchors of Checkers FreshX, Woolworths Food and Dis-Chem.

The experts added that the mall has good opportunities for halal fast-food restaurant operators and Eastern fashionwear.

Lenasia is a township in Johannesburg, south of Soweto. In 1958, the Group Areas Act designated it an Indian township. 

The government forced many residents to move to Lenasia from other areas in Johannesburg, including Fietas and Fordsburg.

Although Lenasia’s history and demographics differ from those of other townships, it is undergoing rapid changes, with large informal settlements appearing in the surrounding area.

Despite being often linked to poverty, many retail and economic experts have highlighted the growing retail opportunities in townships.

With around 25% of South Africa’s population living in townships, many experts have highlighted the ‘hidden economy.’

This sector encompasses many businesses, including spazas, street vendors, fast-service eateries, bottle stores, and taverns.

“While these communities face some of the most difficult challenges, including high unemployment, poor service delivery and low household income, South African townships represent billions of rands in spending power,” said Rogerwilco and Survey54.

Trade Intelligence research underscores the strength. The hidden economy is estimated to be worth around R200 billion in 2023. Over 11 million people regularly shop in its 150,000 stores.

“This sector is crucial, offering significant employment opportunities and playing a vital role in alleviating food insecurity,” said retail analyst Tshegofatso Modise.

“Engaging with this sector presents new avenues for opportunity, economic growth and social development.”

New malls on the way

Lenz Quarter is not the only new mall coming to South Africa in the coming year. Several other new malls are already open or about to open.

Lion Pride Shopping Centre, situated on the corner of the R114 and Oslo Road in Fourways, will open in June 2025.

The 7,500 sqm centre will be close to Malibongwe Drive and the busy N14 highway. Its tenant mix will include Checkers, PEP, Clicks, Pick n Pay Clothing, Steers and Milady’s.

Another major mall coming to South Africa is the 30,000 SQM Groot Phesantekraal View Shopping Centre in Durbanville, Cape Town. 

The new mall, located on the corner of Okavango Road and Klipheuwel Road, will open in July this year.

It is designed to serve the growing Durbanville area in the north of Cape Town and will offer a diverse range of retail and leisure options, aiming to create a community-focused shopping experience.

Other malls have already opened their doors in South Africa, including the 20,000 sqm Riverstone Mall in Meyerton, Gauteng.

The new R370 million mall is Meyerton’s first formal retail offering and has its own hybrid energy system. Developer Alley Roads is set to invest over R600 million in the area.

Westown Square shopping mall also opened in March, marking the first phase of the R15 billion Westown smart city development in Shongweni outside Durban.

The 50,000 sqm Westown Square combines diverse spaces, integrating retail, dining, and eventing areas.

The Barn, at the mall’s centre, offers a high-street experience where visitors can purchase artisanal homeware, art, beauty products, and fashion items.

Images of Lenz Quarter