Growthpoint invests R270m in strategic Paarl Mall expansion

• R270m redevelopment expands Paarl Mall to 44,474m², strengthening its position as the leading retail destination in the Paarl catchment.
• Upgrade aligns with rapid residential growth across the Boland and sustained Western Cape retail demand.
• Project enhances tenant mix, shopper experience and energy resilience while boosting local economic activity.

Western Cape growth drives reinvestment

Growthpoint Properties has broken ground on a major R270 million redevelopment and expansion of Paarl Mall, reinforcing confidence in the Western Cape’s sustained economic and residential growth.

The upgrade forms part of Growthpoint’s national asset enhancement strategy, focusing capital on high-performing retail centres that dominate their catchment areas and continue to benefit from population growth, infrastructure investment and rising consumer demand.

The Boland region, and Paarl in particular, is experiencing strong residential expansion, with more than 4,300 housing units currently planned or under construction. This growth is feeding directly into rising retail demand, making reinvestment in key centres both strategic and timely.

Growthpoint deepens Western Cape investment pipeline

‍Paarl Mall is one of several Western Cape retail assets benefiting from Growthpoint’s ongoing investment pipeline in the province. The group continues to channel capital into centres demonstrating strong trading densities, resilient occupancy levels and long-term rental growth potential.

Gavin Jones, Head of Asset Management: Retail at Growthpoint Properties, explains:
‍“We’re concentrating capital and management focus on centres that lead in their catchment areas, offer sustainable returns through rental growth and can adapt quickly to changing consumer and retailer dynamics. Paarl Mall fits this profile excellently.”

‍

With vacancies consistently below 1% and strong tenant demand, the centre has proven its resilience and market leadership since opening in 2005.

Upgrading the retail mix and shopper experience

The redevelopment aims to reposition Paarl Mall for its next phase of growth by optimising layout, improving shopper flow and broadening its retail offering.

‍

Jones adds: “Paarl Mall’s upgrade and extension project is driven by a deliberate strategy to refine the retail mix and elevate the shopper experience, ensuring the mall remains relevant to its growing and diverse customer base.”

‍

Customer research showed rising demand for expanded fashion options, improved dining offerings and reliable mall-wide connectivity, all addressed in the redevelopment.

A reconfiguration of large-format space will introduce additional retailers, including a major international fashion brand entering Paarl for the first time. New tenants already confirmed include contemporary furniture retailer Cielo and a new Wordsworth bookstore.

Existing tenants are also expanding and modernising stores, including Truworths, Foschini, @home, Sportscene and Identity. The mall’s food offering will grow through a revamped family food court and expanded fast-food and restaurant options.

Construction and rollout details

The redevelopment increases Paarl Mall’s gross lettable area to 44,474m² while significantly upgrading internal design and infrastructure.

Key project features include:

• A prominent new main entrance creating stronger visual identity and improved access
• Reconfigured mall circulation with a central fashion court anchor
• Refreshed interiors with heritage-inspired finishes, modern tiling, lighting and upgraded amenities
• Modernised bathroom facilities and shopper comfort upgrades
• Mall-wide free Wi-Fi installation
• Enhanced energy-efficient operational infrastructure

Behind the scenes, energy resilience remains a priority. Paarl Mall already operates a hybrid energy solution combining solar generation, battery storage, generator and grid power.

Its R50 million renewable energy system produces approximately 3,500 MWh annually and includes battery storage housed in climate-controlled containers. Integration with generator backup ensures reliable trading conditions while reducing carbon emissions and meeting municipal energy requirements.

The solar installation is also registered for Renewable Energy Certificates, supporting Growthpoint’s long-term decarbonisation objectives.

Local economic impact

Construction, which began in mid-January, will run through to completion in November 2026 ahead of the peak festive trading period. The mall will remain fully operational during construction, with phased planning aimed at minimising disruption.

The project will generate local employment opportunities and prioritise regional contractors and suppliers, supporting economic activity across Paarl and the broader Boland area.

Western Cape retail leadership strengthened

Wouter de Vos, Growthpoint’s Regional Head: Western Cape, says the redevelopment balances modernisation with community connection:

‍

“Every element has been carefully considered to refresh the mall experience while preserving the familiar character that resonates with loyal shoppers. The result will be a more enjoyable and seamless shopping environment.”

‍

Investing where growth is real

The Paarl Mall redevelopment illustrates Growthpoint’s broader retail strategy, reinvesting in proven, high-performing assets located in growth regions.

With the Western Cape continuing to attract residents and investment, and Paarl strengthening as a regional economic hub, the expansion positions the mall to capture the next decade of retail growth.

‍

As Jones concludes: “Selective reinvestment in strong assets creates value for shoppers, retailers, communities and investors alike. Paarl Mall is a prime example of how targeted capital deployment delivers long-term performance.”

‍

With construction now underway, Paarl Mall’s next chapter is firmly aligned with the region’s growth trajectory.

‍