The major overhaul at Fourways Mall, north of Johannesburg, which is set to be completed within three years, is beginning to show noticeable progress.
Flanagan & Gerard and the Moolman Group took over management of the struggling Fourways Mall last year, which was facing high vacancy rates and low foot traffic. The mall, the largest in the country, has a gross lettable area of 180,000m².
The mall, which attracts shoppers from surrounding upmarket suburbs such as Steyn City, Dainfern, Lonehill and Broadacres, is being restructured into distinct energy zones. This new layout groups tenants serving similar markets together, addressing past issues where shoppers often felt lost and confused when navigating the space. The proximity to the Mall of Africa also made it difficult for the mall.
Co-owned by Accelerate Property Fund and Azrapart Group, Fourways Mall is undergoing a R400m revamp, with both owners contributing R200m each.
John Holley, director of Flanagan & Gerard, told Business Day the entertainment node will include Ster-Kinekor cinemas, Bounce, tenpin bowling, Spur and Adventure Golf. The aeroplane inside the mall is being refurbished and is set to open in May, offering a unique, interactive experience for children.
While Accelerate Property Fund has opted to sell several real estate assets to manage its debt, the mall’s transformation is gradually taking shape.
“The health and fitness node will be anchored by Planet Fitness, which is opening in mid-2025, and associated wellness offerings. This node transitions into the athleisure and fitness fashion nodes complimented by the likes of Nike, Under Armour and Adidas,” Holley said.
Along with a revamped tenant mix, the lighting at the centre has been improved. The previous dim parking areas are now well-lit with energy-efficient lights and new, easy-to-follow signage has been introduced throughout the mall.
“The commuter node has been upgraded and the taxi holding and drop-off areas have seen improvements in lighting and airflow below Pick n Pay. This has transformed the area into a strong commuter hub, with foot traffic of around 200,000 people per month and positive trade from tenants such as Studio 88 and Skipper Bar, to name a few,” Holley said.
Holley noted that major anchors, Checkers and Woolworths, operate as their own energy node, with both experiencing year-on-year growth. Woolworths had previously been at a disadvantage due to the taxi rank entrance being closer to it, which did not cater to the typical Woolworths shopper.
“To enhance the offering for the high-end Woolworths shopper we have added larger parking bays and brought the parking bays closer to the Woolworths entrance to make this a seamless and convenient experience. This node will be further enhanced by the eight padel courts which will open in March,” Holley said.
The view is set for an upgrade in the coming year as plans to attract new restaurants to the area take shape. Holley noted that sales in men’s and women’s fashion have seen strong performance, with double-digit growth in the last quarter. Brands such as Polo, Lacoste, Fabiani and Diesel contributed to this success during the festive trading season.
The Fourways Improvement District, made up of several landlords, is working to enhance the entire area to attract more shoppers. Efforts include improving the traffic lights to enhance the flow of traffic and ease of access into the area. Members of the group, including Growthpoint, Tsogo Sun, Burstone, Accelerate Property Fund, and Abcon, are now actively contributing to these initiatives.
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