The Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre in Somerset West, South Africa, is being revamped and expanded by property investment company Moolman Group, in collaboration with commercial property development company Collins Property, to enhance its retail offerings.
The expansion will be completed in four phases. The initial phase reached completion in August 2023, and the subsequent phase was unveiled in February 2024. The third phase is scheduled for November 2024, with the project completion expected by June 2025.
The Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre was opened in 2015. The existing single-storey complex presents various convenience outlets and amenities, complemented by parking facilities.
Location of Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre
The Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre is located along Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, adjacent to the N2 highway. This location offers good access and visibility to the mall. The centre is also close to the Somerset West central business district (CBD).
Moreover, the centre is situated near a host of residential estates such as Fernwood Estate, and Fairhaven Country Estate, as well as retail landmarks such as Kwikspar Vergelegen, Somerset Square, Circle Centre, the Vineyard Shopping Centre, and The Avenues.
Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre expansion details
The Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre will be expanded with an additional 12,000m² (129,166ft²), bringing the total gross lettable area (GLA) to 18,000m². The development will introduce 31 new stores, increasing the total store count from 12 to 43.
A food court area will be available on the first level with a balcony. Parking capacity will be enhanced, growing from 360 bays to 765. The shopping centre will feature an on-grade parking area ramping to the new main entrance.
Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre’s new tenants and upgrades
Grocery store and supermarket Woolworths and pharmacy Clicks expanded their presence as anchor tenants in the phase two expansion. Clicks expanded from 545m² to 810m² while Woolworths occupied 1,805m² after the expansion.
The phase three expansion will see another grocery store and supermarket Checkers expand from 3,639m² to 4,319m², and serve as an anchor tenant. The expanded supermarket will include a FreshX concept store.
New tenants that joined the centre during the phase two expansion include fashion retailers Old Khaki, Queue Shoes, and Queenspark; homeware retailers Nap Living, Whitehouse, and Mr Price Home, and health and beauty retailer Elgin Pure.
Several tenants also underwent upgrading in phase two such as fashion retailer Pink; health and beauty retailers Five Star Mediterranean Barber, The Health Kick, Placecol, and Vergelegen Optometrists, and speciality store About Cats and Dogs.
The expansion will significantly enhance the assortment of tenants by adding diverse fashion choices, an array of culinary selections, sophisticated architecture, ample complimentary parking, and various other attractive amenities.
Dining options at Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre
Eateries Nando’s and Mug and Bean were introduced in the shopping centre in 2024. Other available restaurants and fast-food options in the shopping mall are Mountain Peak Spur, Woolworths Food, and Woolworths Cafe.
Banking options
Banking services are provided by ABCA Bank, Capitec, Nedbank, and Standard Bank in the shopping centre.
Contractors involved
Construction company Stabilid Cape is the general contractor for the project.
TCRPV Architects, a design company, offers the architectural and design services for the Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre, with TCPM Cape, an engineering and consultancy company, overseeing the project management.
MHS Consulting provides quantity surveying services for the project.
Tensile Cables, a cable systems provider; LRJ Steel, a steel fabricator; Struxit Projects, a structural and civil engineering company; and Ekcon Consulting Engineers, an engineering consultant, are also involved in the expansion project.