Mall of Mthatha’s reimagining underway

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24-04-2025
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Property Wheel
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Mall of Mthatha, previously known as BT Ngebs City, is undergoing a major refurbishment. The single-level shopping centre in the Eastern Cape was acquired by Flanagan & Gerard and Vukile Property Fund in April 2024.

MDS Architecture has reimagined the 60 000m2 shopping centre with construction anticipated for completion by June 2025.

The asset is situated on top of a super basement and adjoins a hotel and a casino to the precinct with extensive structural and civil engineering works part of the project scope.

One of the standout features of the redevelopment is the introduction of sleek escalators that connect the basement carpark to the retail level. Additionally, the existing ablutions have been completely rebuilt.

In the shopping centre’s lifestyle area, an existing car showroom area has been replaced with a food offering of contemporary restaurants, strengthening the mall’s connection with the adjacent Casino and Mayfair Hotel. New owner-operated restaurants, with external covered seating areas complemented by landscaping, create ambiance.

“This area has been designed as an urban square environment, offering a variety entertainment options, and seamless connections to the hotel and casino, all supported by safe and secure parking. The buildings have been integrated into a cohesive precinct aimed at creating a vibrant destination in Mthatha where the community can relax, shop and enjoy quality entertainment,”  says Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard.

Internal courts have been completely overhauled, allowing for waterproofing and other necessary maintenance. “We took the opportunity to create a new look and feel, adding definition with bulkheads and using a new colour palette and paint techniques, as well as new lighting and soft interiors. Columns have been added and the natural light present in the shopping centre has been amplified. The promotional courts are now in line with the high brand standards that are associated with Flanagan & Gerard shopping centres,” explains Pierre Lahaye, partner at MDS Architecture.

The new ablutions will now better serve the needs of a shopping centre of this size. The new facilities and the upgraded existing toilets now feature proper vanities, great lighting and high-quality, contemporary finishes.

The retail mix at Mall of Mthatha is also getting a boost, with new retailers focusing on essential goods, along with Dis-Chem and other shopping options to add to the lineup of stores. It boasts several household names including Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Checkers as well as a new Shoprite.