RNS announces new rural mall projects

Gavin Tagg

RNS - a full-service retail leasing and development specialist - has been brought on board to assist with the R150 million revamp and expansion of Steilloop Shopping Centre and the development of the new R150 million Tibani Shopping Centre.

"We worked with the GMI Property Group on the development of the 13,000m² Mahwelereng Shopping Centre, which has been a great success. With this success, we are now working with the group on two further developments in rural Limpopo," said Gavin Tagg, MD of RNS.

"The expansion of Steilloop Shopping Centre is driven not only by the performance of the centre, but demand in the town and from retailers. As part of the revamp, Shoprite's USave store is being converted into a 3500m² full-service Shoprite supermarket. The fashion component includes Pep and Ackermans, while other secured tenants include FNB, Fish & Chip Co, Zebro's, Russells, Price & Pride Furniture, Furn 4 U, Post Office and Rebone Pharmacy.

"We are in discussion with other retailers and service brands to take up space in the bigger centre, such as Rage, Studio 88, Shoe Zone, Capitec, Lewis and OK Furniture to name a few," added Tagg.

More than doubling

Steilloop's extension will result in the mall's store offering more than double, from 15 to 38 stores and service outlets. The first phase of the expansion will open in November, with the project being fully complete in 2016.

Gerald Dross of GMI Property Group, commented: "We are proud to be making further investments into quality retail projects in Limpopo and to be working again with RNS on these new developments. Both our companies recognise the retail opportunities in rural areas, which are under-serviced in terms of quality and greater retail offerings."

The new 14,000m² Tibani Shopping Centre is on the R564 regional road, about 60km from Limpopo's capital, Polokwane. It will be in a prime position next to a taxi rank, offering easier access to local rural communities.

Said Tagg: "Tibani Shopping Centre is set to be anchored by Shoprite and Cashbuild. The Shoprite store will take up about 3500m² of retail space. We are finalising the rest of the tenant mix, which will offer both convenience shopping and a selection of fast food choices to locals. The centre is set to have about 40 stores to service a market of some 34,000 households."