Community-driven development
Tshakhuma Mall in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, designed by MDS Architecture, draws the community together using more than retail therapy.
Professional team
Developer: McCormick Property Development Architects: MDS Architecture
Structural engineers: Hannes Hattingh Consulting Engineers
Civil engineers: Hannes Hattingh Consulting Engineers
Electrical engineer: Ingplan
Mechanical and fire engineers: Pretocon QS: Quanticost
Tshakhuma Mall, designed by MDS Architecture, is located along the R524 on the outskirts of Thohoyando, adjacent to one of the largest rural fruit and vegetable markets in the province. This enclosed single-level development offers over 11 500m2 of retail and ample parking.
“Tshakhuma Mall features two prominent entrances with fan-shaped feature lights welcoming shoppers to the mall,” explains Louis Pretorius, partner at MDS Architecture. “These feature cladding and prominent signage punctuated by pops of bright colour in order to create a portal around each entrance.”
Upon entering the site, shoppers are welcomed by a ‘green wall’ showcasing the mall name and an eye-catching artist mural in vibrant colours, which serves as a selfie wall.
Construction and additional upliftment projects
Community-focused opportunities are synonymous with McCormick Property Development, and this is evident at Tshakhuma Mall, which has been developed in partnership with Aha-naha Properties. A specialist in rural retail development in South Africa, McCormick Property Development is the independent development arm of JSE listed REIT, Exemplar.
“We continue to be community-driven with each new development,” explains Jason McCormick, MD of McCormick Property Development. “The mantra of local first and a better South Africa for all continues to motivate us to do more with each new project we tackle.”
Specifically, the development team donated and installed a paved road for the Tshakhuma Clinic, which is within 5km of the shopping centre. Lack of access for ambulances in the area had previously resulted in community members having to carry patients to the clinic on their backs, but the road has now been paved to improve access to healthcare.
The Tribal Office in the area has been repainted and re-tiled, and large umbrellas have been donated to protect the nearby fruit sellers from the harsh outdoor elements. The local SAPS office is due to be revamped in early 2024 with the assistance of the mall.
Interiors
The interior of Tshakhuma Mall includes contemporary finishes, a neutral colour palette, wide passages, and dramatic contrasting bulkheads, which bring a sense of spaciousness indoors.
The ceiling features contemporary linear lighting, while the mall is awash with natural light from glazed clerestory windows. The ceilings have recessed bulkheads, also painted in contrasting colours to emphasise the geometric patterns.
Geometric patterns in shades of grey are a distinctive feature of the floor tiling at Tshakhuma Mall, paying homage to the traditional decorative patterns of the Vhembe people.
Food court
“The food court is such an integral part of any retail development. We create these spaces with the distinct purpose of connecting with our customers,” explains McCormick.
Tshakhuma Mall’s food court spills out of the centre via covered walkways and has a lovely view of the surrounding farms and houses in the distance. The mall design takes water and electricity challenges into account – both solar and wastewater management initiatives were included from the initial planning stages of the project.
Self-sufficiency and landscaping
Tshakhuma Mall is completely self-sufficient. The site has its own borehole and sewerage and wastewater management plant, with solar installation.
The landscaping, designed by Life Landscapes, was carefully selected to ensure that all trees planted are indigenous and endemic to the area.
New standard of retail
Tshakhuma Mall promises a new standard of retail to the communities who shop there. The tenant mix includes a strong fashion and banking mix with TFG, the MRP Group, Pepkor, Ackermans, The Studio 88 Group, Woolworths and Truworths all represented. Standard Bank and FNB branches are complemented by ATMs from Capitec, Nedbank and ABSA. Roots Butchery, KFC, Steers and Debonairs all contribute to the total retail offering. A fully equipped taxi office and rank are also located on-site.
The shopping centre is the 81st retail development by McCormick Property Development – a significant milestone. “Developing retail is our mission but developing communities is our passion,” says McCormick.
Tshakhuma Mall is one of several shopping centres opened by MPD to have been designed by MDS Architecture. “It takes vision and perseverance to develop shopping centres in far-flung areas, something that has been realised again and again by the winning partnership of vision and design that brings it to fruition,” concludes Pretorius.