MALL of Mthatha, previously known as BT Ngebs City, a regional shopping centre located in the heart of Mthatha, is undergoing a major refurbishment that will further enhance not only the shopping centre, but the greater area and city.
The shopping centre was acquired by Flanagan & Gerard Property Group and Vukile Property Fund in April 2024, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
MDS Architecture has reimagined the 60,000 sqm shopping centre for the owners, with construction currently in progress and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Pierre Lahaye, partner at MDS Architecture, says, “Mall of Mthatha is a single-level shopping centre on top of a super basement and adjoins a hotel and a casino in the precinct. It is well located and has incredible potential to become a new urban precinct for Mthatha. Every detail has been meticulously crafted in the revitalised mall to enhance the shopper journey.”
Interventions
Every aspect of the shopping centre and surrounds has been carefully considered. Extensive structural and civil engineering works are part of the project scope, and the developers have invested heavily in servicing and repair.
One of the standout features of this redevelopment is the introduction of sleek escalators that seamlessly connect the basement carpark to the retail level. Additionally, the existing ablutions have already been completely rebuilt.
The existing parking basement has a very high underside of slab soffit level, which enabled the inclusion of additional retail gross lettable area (GLA) of 725 sqm via a new mezzanine level. The new mezzanine also allows for the added convenience of connecting the basement parking via a series of escalators.
Lifestyle area
An existing car showroom area has been replaced with a vibrant food offering of contemporary restaurants, significantly strengthening the mall’s connection with the adjacent Casino and Mayfair Hotel. New owner-operated restaurants, with external covered seating areas complemented by lush landscaping, create an inviting ambience.
“This area has been designed as an urban square environment, offering a variety of 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 transformation
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 Lahaye.
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.
Retail mix
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 already extensive lineup of stores. It boasts several household names including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers and now a new Shoprite.
Although a large portion of Eastern Cape is rural, the city of Mthatha has an established university, a golf course and a high-rise office block. The investment in Mall of Mthatha and its surrounds, coupled with increased infrastructure spending, bodes well for the future of the city, according to MDS Architecture.
“We envisage a new town square evolving at the Mall of Mthatha precinct to bring together the various aspects of this development. With extensive upgrades, the reimagined BT Ngebs City unlocks the mall’s potential, creating a more engaging, appealing, and convenient experience for everyone in a province with immense potential,” said explains Lahaye.
Professional Team:
- Architects: MDS Architecture
- Developers: Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, Vukile Property Fund,
- Quantity Surveyor: Aequim Quantity Surveyors
- Civil & structural engineer: L&S Consulting Engineers
- Electrical engineer: RWP Consulting Engineers
- Mechanical GPCE Consulting Engineers
- Fire engineer: SFT Consulting Engineers
- Wet Services Engineer WFP Consulting Engineers
- Main contractor: Dewing Construction
