Artist's impression of the Thavhani Mall
Construction on the new R900-million Thavhani Mall, in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, is set to start next month, shopping centre development and investment company Flanagan & Gerard Developments said earlier this week.
“The social and economic influence of Thavhani Mall will have a substantial impact on the town, the district and the region,” Flanagan & Gerard executive director and founder Patrick Flanagan said, adding that the mall was expected to create between 1 500 and 2 000 sustainable jobs after opening.
Thavhani Mall would also lead to Thohoyandou retaining around R200-million in retail spend, which was currently being spent outside the town, boosting its economy and creating the opportunity for new retailers to enter the market, and for existing retailers to supplement their current stores, he added.
The 55 000 m2 mall, which would be jointly developed and owned by Flanagan & Gerard and property investment company Thavhani Property Investments, would offer shoppers a comprehensive retail mix complementing the town’s existing offering.
“Designed to provide shoppers a wide and appealing choice of retail to serve the needs of local and regional residents, Thavhani Mall’s tenant mix will be led by two supermarket anchors, three fashion anchors and at least two major banks,” Flanagan said.
He added that the mall would introduce several new retailers to Thohoyandou.
The mall, which was set to open in 2016, would also include a taxi rank and generous on-level parking with two vehicle access points.
“Thavhani Mall is set to be the first step in creating an exciting surrounding mixed-use node. Future phases will include drive-through restaurants, an office park and big-box retail,” Flanagan & Gerard stated.