Big South African shopping mall gets a makeover

·21 Sep 2025

The Montana Crossing shopping centre in Pretoria received a makeover, which includes Checkers replacing Pick n Pay.

Montana Crossing Shopping Centre is a large open-air convenience centre with over 40 stores that have a broad product offering.

The stores in the shopping centre range from home improvement to furniture, beauty, fishing gear, and even motor industry services.

Montana Crossing is located along one of the busiest roads in Pretoria North, Sefako Makgatho/ Zambesi Drive.

It offers a complete lifestyle offering for busy commuters and local residents. The centre is synonymous with one-stop convenience shopping and value.

SA Corporate Real Estate, which owns the mall, embarked on a redevelopment of Montana Crossing to enhance its performance.

SA Corporate Real Estate is a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with R19.4 billion of assets under management.

In its 2024 annual report, the company said the first phase of the redevelopment of Montana Crossing was completed in the first half of the year.

It is positioning Montana Crossing with superior direct access from the thriving Sefako Makgatho Drive arterial.

“As part of the ongoing leasing efforts of recalibrating the tenant mix and strengthening anchor tenants, Build It replaced a poor-performing independent retailer,” it said.

It added that Checkers Fresh X was set to commence trading in the 3rd quarter of 2025, replacing Pick n Pay.

“The latter is to be complemented by Checkers Liquor, Checkers Outdoor and Petshop Science, providing a wide range of the Checkers brands.”

SA Corporate Real Estate added that Roots Butchery will be introduced as a sub-anchor tenant from June 2025.

Montana Crossing redevelopment completed

SA Corporate Real Estate announced the completion of the redevelopment of Montana Crossing in its interim financial statements.

The company said the redevelopment included the introduction of Checkers Fresh X, Checkers Liquor and Petshop Science as anchor tenants replacing Pick n Pay.

“The group anticipates a 30% uplift in the rental income of Montana Crossing for the 2026 financial year as a result,” SA Corporate Real Estate said.

BusinessTech visited the Montana Crossing shopping centre to assess the changes and the new look and feel.

The open-air convenience centre boasts a modern look with ample parking. There is easy access from the Sefako Makgatho Drive arterial.

The Checkers Fresh X, opened in July 2025, was clearly the main attraction, with many shoppers visiting the store to do their everyday shopping.

It features a modern design with standard sections, including a butcher’s shop, bakery, wine and cheese area, and a coffee shop.

Petshop Science and Clicks flank the Checkers Fresh X. On the other side of the shopping centre, Roots Butchery, which opened earlier this month, was a popular destination.

Montana Crossing said that Roots Butchery offers shoppers premium quality meat, expert service, and affordable prices.

Other stores in the revamped Montana Crossing include Willard Xpress Batteries, Universal Paints Montana, Debonairs Pizza, Build it, Steers, Wimpy SA, and Fishaways.