The developments are set to benefit rural communities in Limpopo by not only bringing quality shopping to their doorsteps, but creating jobs and helping to retain valuable spend in rural areas.

RNS – a leading full-service retail leasing and development specialist – has been brought on board to assist with the R150 million revamp and expansion of Steilloop Shopping Centre and the development of the new R150 million Tibani Shopping Centre. 

“We worked with GMI Property Group on the development of the 13,000sqm Mahwelereng Shopping Centre, which has been a great success. With this success, we are now working with the group on two further developments in rural Limpopo,” says Gavin Tagg, managing director of RNS.

“The expansion of Steilloop Shopping Centre is driven not only by the performance of the centre, but demand in the town and from retailers. As part of the revamp, Shoprite’s USave store is being converted into a 3,500sqm full service Shoprite supermarket. The fashion component includes Pep and Ackermans, while other secured tenants include FNB, Fish & Chip Co, Zebro’s, Russells, Price & Pride Furniture, Furn 4 U, Post Office and Rebone Pharmacy. 

“We are in discussion with other retailers and service brands to take up space in the bigger centre, such as Rage, Studio 88, Shoe Zone, Capitec, Lewis and OK Furniture to name a few,” adds Tagg. 

Steilloop’s extension will see the mall’s store offering more than double, from 15 to 38 stores and service outlets. The first phase of the expansion will open in November, with the project being fully complete in 2016.

Gerald Dross of GMI Property Group, comments: “We are proud to be making further investments into quality retail projects in Limpopo and to be working again with RNS on these new developments. Both our companies recognise the retail opportunities in rural areas, which are underserviced in terms of quality and greater retail offerings.”

The new 14,000sqm Tibani Shopping Centre is on the R564 regional road, about 60km from Limpopo’s capital Polokwane. It will be in a prime position next to a taxi rank, offering easier access to local rural communities. 

Says Tagg: “Tibani Shopping Centre is set to be anchored by Shoprite and Cashbuild. The Shoprite store will take up about 3,500sqm of retail space. We are finalising the rest of the tenant mix, which will offer both convenience shopping and a selection of fast food choices to locals. The centre is set to have about 40 stores to service a market of some 34000 households.”

Tagg concludes: “RNS is well known for its expertise and development of rural shopping centres, where we see further tremendous opportunities. Beyond investment, these rural centres have a positive impact on rural communities and help to spur further investments and development in rural South Africa. It is great to work with groups like GMI Property Group to make such developments a reality and help change the lives of people in rural areas.”