Property

New R600 million shopping mall opens in South Africa’s richest city

Kirsten Minnaar • 11 November 2025

Century Property Developments has opened the R600 million Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre in Waterfall, Johannesburg – a 27,000 m² eco-friendly lifestyle hub with over 50 retail, dining, office, and medical offerings.

On 30 October 2025, the highly anticipated Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre officially opened its doors.

Owned and developed by Century Property Developments, the R600-million centre sits at the corner of Allandale and President Roads, in the heart of the Kyalami–Waterfall node.

Its name pays homage to its history as a working mushroom farm neighbouring the original Waterval Farm, now Waterfall Estates.

Conceived with input from local residents, the centre has been designed as a social and lifestyle hub anchored by a central community piazza.

Century Property Developments Project Manager Japie Vos said the centre represents a new approach to everyday retail and reflects a shift in the way people want to shop, work and dine. “This is not your typical mall,” he said.

“Customers can expect something different the moment they arrive. Every detail has been crafted to offer convenience shopping that enhances daily life – from the layout and architecture to the tenant mix and pet-friendly spaces.”

The result, Vos said, is a fresh take on convenience, combining shopping, signature restaurants, offices and a medical facility in a contemporary village setting.

Vos confirmed that a second phase for the Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre is already planned for 2026. Construction of the first phase was a significant project, and required:

31,671 m² of roofing sheets – enough to cover more than 220 Joburg townhouses or 13 private jet hangars
44,805 m³ of concrete – enough to build a 20-storey high-rise office building or pave a road from Pretoria to Midrand
3,900 m² of tiles – sufficient to cover nine full-size basketball courts
1,191,905 bricks – enough for over 130 RDP homes
437 tons of steel – equal to 170 full-grown African elephants
105,000 m³ of earth moved – more than one million wheelbarrow loads
930 m² of retaining walls – enough to wrap six double-decker buses vertically side by side
Internal space is large enough for over 100 simultaneous five-a-side soccer matches.

Shops and resturaunts

The 27,000m² centre is situated prominently on the highest point in its neighbourhood, with medical and office suites located on the first floor.

The ground floor of the centre offers retail and restaurant terraces with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

The elevated, everyday shopping experience is anchored by a 9,000m² Checkers Hyper and a 1,300m² Dis-Chem. Retail Africa, known for its creative and entrepreneurial approach, led the leasing of the centre.

Complementing these big names with a mix of national favourites, niche lifestyle brands and local favourites like Kiddies Aqua Swimming Academy.

Fashion retailers include WW Edit, Mr Price, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Contempo and Kingsmead Shoes, supported by Levinger’s Dry Cleaning & Shoe Clinic.

Home and décor tenants range from @Home, Dial-a-Bed, Mr Price Home, Pep Home to and Volpes. The centre also introduces Johannesburg’s first Mambos Storage and Home.

In addition to Dis-Chem, health and beauty services include BOA Beauty Bar, Niche Perfumes, Sorbet, Spec Savers, Vision Works, Barberland and High Lights. The centre also features a PNA, Crazy Store, Bargain Books, and Mobile Kafe.

Dining choices span casual bites to fine fare. The menu features Baglios-Porchinis, Dough & Co, Biltong Republic, Wimpy, Seattle Coffee, Pizza Baby, Tasty Gallos and Yiko Asian Eatery.

The popular Whippet opened on 6 November. The centre also offers three drive-throughs from Mugg & Bean, Steers and KFC.

The opening dates for Bootleggers, Blu Bam Boo Fusion Kitchen, Butcher Boys Prime Steakhouse and Luna Lusa are still waiting to be announced.

Shoppers can also expect to find unique stores like Cake Zone and Royal Blush florist, and Petshop Science at the centre.

Construction

Designed by BAR Architects and built by Archstone Construction, the centre’s architectural language blends natural textures and farm-style materials to create warmth and modernity.

Airy, high volumes wrapped in glass brickwork diffuse daylight, while interiors feature exposed brick, Japanese cedar panelling reminiscent of a mushroom cap, and generous natural light.

“The interior passages are breathtaking. The retail spatial planning is unique. From the moment visitors walk in, they’ll know this is not a typical retail centre,” Vos added.

The centre prioritises easy access and seamless movement, and is strategically positioned to serve the growing catchment areas of Waterfall, Kyalami, Midrand and Sunninghill.

It offers easy access from President Road and provides 1,150 public parking bays, dedicated Uber and Checkers Sixty60 pickup zones with Wi-Fi, 60 motorbike bays and an integrated public transport hub with 96 taxi bays.

Major road upgrades to Allandale Road and the K73, completed in 2023 and 2024 as part of the centre’s development, have further enhanced connectivity between the centre and nearby residential and commercial zones.

Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre also delivers on sustainability. Green energy is generated by an on-site 2.1 MVA solar plant. Lighting is energy-efficient.

Importantly, the centre will trade during electricity outages. It also features borehole and rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing, and indigenous landscaping. An on-site recycling plant diverts waste from the landfill.

The centre is also on track for EDGE Certification, reinforcing Century Property Developments’ commitment to responsible development.

Construction began in September 2024 and was completed on schedule in October 2025, creating 2,100 jobs during the project.

Local labour, suppliers and artisans were prioritised, including community artists who created bespoke murals that animate the central walkway.

“Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre was designed to grow with its community,” Vos said. “We’re incredibly proud of what we have created with, and for, our community, and excited for what comes next.”