Jankielsohn family’s $9 million Piketberg mall expansion nears completion

Piketberg mall, South Africa retail store, owned by the Jankielsohn family, is entering the third and final phase of its $9 million expansion, with completion slated for late 2026.

The redevelopment, financed by Nedbank, underscores a broader effort to sustain commercial activity within the town’s central business district amid changing retail trends in smaller South African towns.

Doubling capacity, boosting foot traffic

The expansion will double the mall’s gross lettable area to 13,000m², increase its store count to over 40, and add more than 400 parking bays. Designed to integrate national retailers with local tenants, the project emphasizes improved pedestrian access from Long Street and enhanced circulation throughout the mall. 

“We didn’t want the CBD to shrink; our investment is about sustainability,” says Dean Jankielsohn. “Keeping development central supports local businesses, promotes foot traffic, and drives economic activity.”

Design blends functionality with local character

Architecturally, the mall aims to reflect Piketberg’s unique character. Dean adds: “We’re using natural light and warm materials that appeal to both local and aspirational shoppers.

” Barend Oosthuizen, principal structural engineer at By Design, notes that the project’s complexity lies in linking new and existing structures. “An upper-level connection is required while ensuring the lower level remains safe and operational,” he says.

A family legacy shaping local retail

The Jankielsohns have been active in Piketberg’s retail sector for nearly four decades. From a single Spar store in 1987, the family has expanded into multiple ventures, including the local Boland SUPERSPAR, culminating in this major mall redevelopment. 

The project represents the largest retail investment in the town to date, reinforcing Piketberg Mall’s role as a regional shopping destination and a driver of economic growth.

Supporting small-town economies through strategic retail

With smaller towns across South Africa grappling with shifting consumer patterns, the Jankielsohns’ approach highlights the importance of targeted, high-impact retail investment. 

By anchoring development in the town center, the family aims to maintain Piketberg’s commercial vitality, offering a blueprint for sustainable growth in regional retail markets.