This 6,000sqm expansion on the western part of the existing mall will see a number of exciting new retailers making their debut in the area. Furthermore, Highveld Mall’s busy Pick n Pay will also be expanding into an additional 1,000sqm floor space, bringing even more variety and convenience to customers.

New tenants which will be opening in the Highveld Mall extension include Dis-Chem, @Home, Coricraft, Bargain Books, Nino’s, Baby Boom, American Swiss Jewellers, Standard Bank, Capitec Bank, Sterns and Sass Diva.

More good news is that there are plans for a further extension of Highveld Mall on the horizon, bringing more superb shopping to Emalahleni.

The centre’s co-owners Resilient Property Income Fund Limited and Changing Tides 91 (Pty) Limited (Flanagan & Gerard Property Development and Investment) and Mogwele Trading 278 (Pty) Limited are planning a further expansion of some 12,000sqm which, once completed, will take the centre to in excess of 60,000sqm of gross lettable area.

Together with the adjoining Ridge Casino and Entertainment Resort the expanded Highveld Mall will be further entrenched as the definitive, dominant shopping and entertainment node in Emalahleni.

Sandra Vanderwalt, General Manager of Highveld Mall, notes that the expansion became necessary as a result of customer needs and retailer requests. “Our shopper numbers have increased substantially since Highveld Mall opened in April 2007 and we are consistently experiencing growth in trade,” notes Vanderwalt.

Patrick Flanagan, of Flanagan & Gerard, reports that the extension of Highveld Mall has attracted the interest of a number of specialised retailers, keen on the excellent location. “The quality of committed retailers who have a good existing footprint nationally demonstrates confidence in expansion,” adds Flanagan.

One of the new retailers who will debut in the expanded mall is Dis-Chem. This will be its first store in Emalahleni and the 55th store in the growing Dis-Chem network.

Operating as a franchise unit, under the ownership of Bobby Leach, the substantial 1,450sqm store will offer shoppers the value and service that Dis-Chem promises.

“The Dis-Chem brand is synonymous with good value and we are thrilled to be bringing Dis-Chem to Emalahleni,” says Dis-Chem founder and CEO, Ivan Saltzman. “Our stores also offer incredible choice, with a wide range of quality health, beauty and pharmaceutical products.”

Franchisee and operator, Bobby Leach is excited about the new store, which opens in November 2010. “The new Dis-Chem Highveld Mall is the only store of its kind in the area. Our wellness and baby clinic will add good value and our team of pharmacists will also be available for advice and all script requirements. Shoppers can also look forward to a delivery service in the immediate and extended area, and on certain days we will also offer extended hours. We are excited about making our debut in the area and we plan to get involved and support the community,” says Leach.
 
“Highveld Mall’s excellent location and popularity positions it well for additional investment. The expansion plans will provide good opportunities for both the community and retailers, and we see this as a win-win solution to unlock greater value,” notes Johann Kriek of Resilient Property Income Fund.