Big changes for top South African shopping mall

Somerset Mall, the dominant shopping destination in the Helderberg region, has announced a landmark expansion project.

Somerset Mall is a 69,000-square-meter shopping centre along the N2 freeway near Somerset West and Strand.

The regional shopping centre was built in three phases and was completed in 2006. It boasts 178 stores with local and international brands.

The mall’s annual foot count is 9.2 million, and its anchor tenants include H&M, Woolworths, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Game, and Pick n Pay.

Somerset Mall is owned and managed by Hyprop Investments, a leading Real estate investment trust (REIT) in South Africa.

Hyprop is now pumping more money into Somerset Mall to cement its position as the premier shopping destination in the region.

The first phase of the redevelopment, which will add 5,500 square metres of retail space, is scheduled for completion by November 2025.

Mandy Bellamy, general manager of Somerset Mall, said the redevelopment will elevate the shopping experience.

Wayne Abegglen, Hyprop portfolio executive for the Western Cape, said the expansion will introduce over 50 new stores.

The new stores will focus on athleisure and affordable luxury brands, family entertainment, and a wider variety of food and dining options.

“Additionally, we aim to enhance customer amenities to set a new standard for retail excellence in the region,” he said.

Enhancements include retiling the entire centre and upgrading bathrooms to feature contemporary, high-quality facilities.

The parking area will get electric vehicle charging stations and a golf cart shopper shuttle for shoppers who need them.

With its catchment area consisting of 44.4% of upper-middle-income earners, the expansion reflects a commitment to supporting local growth.

Abegglen said the redevelopment will further boost foot traffic, tenant revenue, and regional investment.

Somerset Mall Images