South Africa’s Lowveld Mall unveils $4.9 million upgrade near Kruger National Park

South Africa’s Lowveld Mall has completed a $4.9 million redevelopment project as the shopping centre looks to strengthen its role as a retail and community hub in the country’s tourism-rich Mpumalanga province. 

The upgrade, carried out by property investment group Twin City, has refreshed the 65,000-square-metre mall in Hazyview, a key stop for travellers heading to Kruger National Park. 

Positioned near one of Africa’s most visited wildlife destinations, Lowveld Mall serves both tourists and residents from the surrounding communities.

The redevelopment aims to create a more modern shopping experience while keeping a strong connection to the region’s natural environment and cultural identity. 

The project introduced new entertainment spaces, improved public areas and a redesigned look inspired by the bushveld landscape.

Developers said the goal was to create a place that reflects Hazyview’s character while offering shoppers more reasons to spend time at the centre.

New design blends retail with the bushveld environment 

The redevelopment was designed by MDS Architecture, with Matla Quantity Surveyors estimating the project cost at about $4.9 million. 

MDS Architecture said the mall had gradually lost its identity over the years, leading the team to redesign the centre around the idea of a “bushveld boutique lodge.”

The new design uses natural light, open spaces and local-inspired artwork to create a warmer atmosphere for visitors. 

Twin City CEO Ryno de Leeuw said the redevelopment was focused on creating a facility that represents the surrounding community. 

“Lowveld Mall has been transformed into something the Hazyview and greater region can be proud of,” de Leeuw said, adding that the project shows what can be achieved when existing retail properties are carefully repositioned.

The entertainment area adds new attractions for shoppers 

One of the biggest changes at the mall is the creation of a new outdoor food court and entertainment area, which extends into part of the former parking space.

The new precinct includes a children’s play area, a grassed recreational zone, an informal amphitheatre, large screens for live sporting events and a water feature. 

The upgrade also added a learning centre above the entertainment area, giving schoolchildren access to study facilities and online learning resources.

The centre complements an existing creche that supports retail workers at the mall. 

Construction started in March 2025 and was completed in February 2026, with work carried out in phases while businesses continued operating.

The approach required careful planning and after-hours construction to reduce disruption for tenants and customers.

Company background: Twin City expands focus on community retail spaces 

Twin City is a South African property investment group focused on developing and managing retail and commercial properties.

The company has invested in shopping centres designed to serve local communities while adapting to changing consumer needs. 

The Lowveld Mall redevelopment reflects a wider shift in South Africa’s retail property sector, where older shopping centres are being upgraded with more entertainment, lifestyle and community-focused features to attract visitors beyond traditional shopping.