Growthpoint Properties has kicked off a R270-million project to redevelop Paarl Mall, in the Western Cape.

The project will bring the centre’s gross lettable area to 44 474 m2, while also introducing internal reconfigurations and design updates throughout the mall.

Described as a small regional centre with consistently high trading densities, low vacancies and strong tenant demand, Paarl Mall is among several high-performing shopping centre assets Growthpoint has identified for targeted investment, as part of its ongoing drive to further refine and strengthen its core retail portfolio.

“We are concentrating capital and management focus on centres that lead in their catchment areas, offer sustainable returns through rental growth, and that can adapt quickly to changing consumer and retailer dynamics,” says Growthpoint Properties asset management head Gavin Jones.

“Paarl Mall fits this profile excellently. It is well established and superbly located at the heart of a thriving community with a strong and growing customer base.

“[The] extensive upgrade and extension project is the result of a deliberate strategy to optimise its retail mix and elevate the shopper experience.”

Positioned along the N1 highway, Paarl Mall will mark its twenty-first anniversary with the completion of this redevelopment.

The centre benefits from strong shopper loyalty, with more than half its customer base visiting weekly.

The mall also consistently maintains vacancies below 1%.

The mall’s catchment area is undergoing rapid residential growth, with more than 4 300 new housing units planned, or under construction.

“In addition to the area’s growth, our customer research points to rising demand for a wider fashion offering, enhanced fast-food choices and mall Wi-Fi,” notes Jones.

“Our redevelopment plan directly addresses these shopper priorities, and more.”

Paarl Mall already features a new hybrid electricity solution, combining solar, battery, generator and grid power.

Its solar plant generates around 3 500 MWh a year, supplying the mall and charging a battery energy storage system, housed in three climate-controlled 20-foot containers.

This R50-million investment was commissioned in June, 2024.

To ensure reliable power supply for tenants, the mall has since integrated its generator farm with the renewable-energy system, which has improved backup capability, reduced carbon emissions during grid outages and maintained compliance with Drakenstein municipality’s 45% load-factor requirement.

The solar PV system has also been registered for renewable-energy certificates, which supports Growthpoint’s decarbonisation strategy.

Construction for the Paarl Mall redevelopment is expected to be completed in November, ahead of the peak holiday shopping season.

The mall will be open for trading throughout the construction period.