KZN’s Ithala Centre undergoes significant redevelopment

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23-05-2025
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Property Wheel
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After nearly a decade of inactivity, the Ithala Centre in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, is undergoing a significant transformation to reimagine and reposition the asset as a vibrant, service-orientated retail destination. Owned by Ithala Properties, the project is being spearheaded by Sivusa Retail and design collective Rubik Design Forge. 

Sivusa Retail has secured a 25-year lease for the Ithala Centre with the Ithala Development Finance Corporation, assuming the role of both lessee and operator.

The architectural rejuvenation of the centre brings together bold design, local craftsmanship, and forward-thinking sustainability, creating a building that is both modern and meaningfully rooted in its community.  

A newly constructed steel framed feature tower forms the focal point of the revamped façade. Clad in high-quality tiles laid in a herringbone pattern, the tower is crowned by the bold Shoprite insignia with dedicated flanking panels providing clean, elevated signage opportunities for key tenants. This striking vertical element redefines the centre’s identity and presence along the urban edge.

Adding a distinctive local touch, the upper façade is wrapped in a hand-painted geometric mural – a green and grey motif designed and executed by a local artist.

Internally, the building’s arcade-style pedestrian thoroughfare has been extensively upgraded with retiling and a raised ceiling allowing for increased volumes of natural light and significantly improving the shopper experience while highlighting the retail frontage along both sides of the corridor.

The centre is also aligning with sustainability goals through the planned installation of a rooftop solar energy system and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Its parking lot will be resurfaced for improved access and safety, while landscaping interventions will soften the building’s hard edges and elevate its overall aesthetic appeal.

A major addition to the redevelopment is the inclusion of a Department of Home Affairs Smart ID Service Office.

Upon completion in late July 2025, the revitalised Ithala Centre will boast 21 retail outlets anchored by Shoprite which will occupy 2 600m2 inclusive of a Shoprite Liquor store with other prominent tenants including Pep, Clicks, Bradlow’s, Hungry Lion, Beauty Zone, and Victory Lab.

With approximately 90% of retail space already secured, the centre has attracted strong market interest.