Mahwelereng gets its first shopping centre

Mahwelereng in Limpopo Province is set to see the opening of its first shopping centre in November 2012.

Developed by Gerald and Pieter Dros of Olympic Park, the 11,262m² Mahwelereng Shopping Centre will be the first in the area – saving residents their current commute into Mokopane CBD. 

“Mahwelereng is a densely-populated area that already records high demand for fashion, furniture and banking, so a local retail centre is long overdue,” says Gavin Tagg of Retail Network Services, which is crafting a focused tenant mix to suit the shopping centre’s unique footprint. 

Easily accessible from the N11 freeway, the site is located on Dudu Madisha drive, adjacent to the existing Engen filling station and about seven kilometers from the Mokopane CBD. 

Research confirms that there are close to 50,000 households in the trade area, with a population of more than 280,000 people – and Mahwelereng Shopping Centre is expected to capture some 11% of the trade area. 

“The new centre will offer a selection of convenience retail right on Mahwelereng’s doorstep,” says Tagg.

With 33 stores, the centre will provide a range of shopping choices for local consumers as well as passing traffic. Anchors include a 3,565m² Shoprite supermarket, 750m² Roots and 1,352m² Cash Build.

“Mindful of the high demand for home furnishings, other confirmed tenants include OK Furniture, Ellerines and the JD Group,” explains Tagg.

“Popular food destinations like Fish & Chips and Debonairs will round out the offering to shoppers.”

“Safe and convenient access for public transport users is a focus for the development,” says Tagg, who adds that 100 parking bays are also part of the plan, to cater to shoppers in private vehicles.

The area is likely to see significant growth in platinum mining, a factor expected to boost both foot traffic and consumer spending in the future.