The silhouette of the Piketberg mountains is getting a new companion as the largest-ever retail investment in this charming Swartland town nears its peak. The R150 million expansion of Piquetberg Mall has officially entered its third and final phase, signalling a transformative moment for the regional economy and the local community.
When the doors fully open later this year, the Mall will have doubled in size to a massive 13,000m² of gross lettable area (GLA). For the residents of Piketberg and the surrounding district, this isn’t just a construction project; it is a strategic move to cement the town as a premier retail destination.
A Legacy Project for the Swartland
The expansion is spearheaded by the Jankielsohn family, locals who have been the heartbeat of the town’s retail sector for nearly 40 years. Having opened their first Spar in 1987, Dean and Tanya Jankielsohn, now joined by their twin sons Philip and Robert, have grown their team from 13 employees to over 200.
“We are from the community and in service to the community,” says Dean Jankielsohn. This philosophy drove the family to invest heavily in the CBD rather than the outskirts, preventing the “retail drift” that often leads to the dilapidation of small-town centers.
A Village Within a Village
The design brief for the new mall was specific: avoid the “traditional concrete mall” feel. The result is a “village within a village” that reflects the natural beauty of the Swartland. The expansion will feature:
- Over 40 stores, including a mix of national and local tenants.
- Pet-friendly outlets like PET STOREY and the popular Vida e Caffè.
- A diverse food court and comfortable outdoor spaces.
- Improved accessibility with more than 400 free parking bays, two lifts (one glass), and an escalator.
- Pedestrian flow has been a priority, with enhanced access from Long Street to ensure the mall remains an integrated part of the town’s commercial hub.
Engineering Against the Slope
Building on a mountain slope presented unique challenges. Structural engineering firm By Design and KLS Consulting Engineers had to manage excavations up to 8.5 meters deep. To keep the mall operational during construction, an 8-meter high temporary retaining wall was erected—a feat of engineering that kept shoppers safe while the new steel superstructure rose above them.
Sustainability is also at the forefront. KLS Electrical has implemented 3D-modeled LED lighting and HVAC systems for energy efficiency. The mall will feature full emergency backup and an extensive solar installation to reduce the load on the municipal network.
A Bright Future for Piketberg
Located less than two hours from Cape Town, Piketberg is a thriving agricultural hub within the Bergrivier Municipality. The family credits the municipality’s clean audits and stable governance as a key reason for their confidence in this R150 million reinvestment.
As the final bricks are laid, the Piquetberg Mall expansion stands as a testament to local grit and long-term vision. It is an investment in sustainability, ensuring that the heart of the Swartland remains vibrant for generations to come.
