This landmark retail development was announced today by Thavhani Mall joint developers and owners - Flanagan & Gerard Property Investments and Thavhani Property Investments. The 55,000sqm mall will introduce top quality retail space that will boost the district's economy with retained retail spend and create new employment opportunities.

This development is the brainchild of Khosi Ramovha TJ of Thavhani Property Investments who first had the vision for the mall eight years ago. "After five years of planning, it is pleasing to see it become a reality," says Ramovha.

The double-level Thavhani Mall will offer shoppers a comprehensive mix of retail, which complements the town's existing shopping offering, to service the sizeable latent retail demand in the area.

"Designed to provide shoppers a wide and appealing choice of retail to serve the needs of local and regional residents, Thavhani Mall's tenant mix will be led by two supermarket anchors, three fashion anchors and at least two major banks," says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard.

He adds: "It will introduce several new retailers to Thohoyandou and include a variety of fashion, accessories, furniture, electronics, health and beauty and much more. It will also include a lively food court with restaurants, which will become an exciting meeting place in the mall."

Scheduled to open in April 2016, Thavhani Mall benefits from an excellent location right at the heart of the Thohoyandou's central growth node, which positions it to become the region's dominant mall. Thohoyandou is the administrative centre of Vhembe District Municipality and Thulamela Local Municipality.

Thavhani Mall enjoys excellent access and visibility on a 76 ha site at the intersection of the R524 road to Makhado, formerly Louis Trichardt, and the new road which links Giyani to Sibasa and surrounding rural areas.

Making it even easier for people to shop at Thavhani Mall, it will incorporate a taxi rank and generous on-level parking with two vehicle access points.

"The social and economic influence of Thavhani Mall will have a substantial impact on the town, the district and the region," reports Flanagan. "The mall is estimated to create between 1,500 to 2,000 sustainable jobs after it opens."

Also, thanks to Thavhani Mall, Thohoyandou will retain around R200 million in retail spend, which is currently being spent outside the town. "This will boost its economy. It also creates the opportunity for new retailers to enter this market and for existing CBD retailers to supplement their present stores with another outlet to grow market share."

With its vibrant regional shopping experience, the landmark Thavhani Mall is set to be the first step in creating an exciting surrounding mixed-use node. Future phases will include drive-through restaurants, an office park and big-box retail.

Thavhani Mall will cater for shoppers in the primary market of Vhembe District and Mopani District.

The Vhembe District Municipality and the Thulamela Local Municipality have outperformed in average economic growth in recent years. The nearly 400,000 residents in this primary trade area comprise almost 90,000 households. They span the full living standards measure spectrum, but are predominantly in the lower LSMs.

"Thavhani Mall's contemporary retail design will reflect the region's habitat and create light and airy spaces which flow naturally through the centre. It will be an asset that the community can enjoy and be proud of," says Flanagan