Piquetberg Mall R150m expansion enters final phase

The R150 million expansion of Piquetberg Mall in Piketberg, Western Cape, has entered its third and final phase, with completion expected later in 2026.

Led by the Jankielsohn family and financed by Nedbank, the project will double the mall’s gross lettable area to 13 000m² and increase its footprint to more than 40 stores. It represents the largest retail investment in the Swartland town and is intended to reinforce its role as a regional retail centre.

The investment is focused on sustaining activity within the town’s central business district at a time when smaller towns face pressure from shifting retail patterns.

Dean Jankielsohn says the approach is deliberate: “We didn’t want it to shrink, so we took the opposite approach and invested in its sustainability instead,” he says.

“We’re committed to keeping development inside the CBD to support local businesses, promote foot traffic and encourage economic activity. If the CBD goes, the town goes.”

The expansion includes more than 400 parking bays, improved pedestrian access from Long Street, and a mix of national and local tenants. Jankielsohn says the design responds to local context.

“We want the mall to reflect the character of Piketberg … using natural light and warm materials … that serve both local and aspirational shoppers.”

Construction has required significant engineering work due to the site’s position against a mountain slope, including excavations of up to 8.5 metres and structural integration with existing buildings.

Barend Oosthuizen, owner and principal structural engineer at By Design, says: “To tie together the new and existing buildings … an upper-level link has to be constructed while the lower level remains safe and open.”

Energy systems form part of the build. KLS Electrical’s Tiaan Bester says the centre “will have full emergency backup … and use the available roof space to install the maximum amount of solar.”

* Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb intern.