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PROJECT

PRINCESS MKABAYI MALL, KZN

Princess Mkabayi Mall is a single-level shopping centre offering 30,902 sqm of
retail space. Anchor tenants include Shoprite, Checkers, Dis-Chem, Jaywelani and
Woolworths. Officially opened in October 2024, the mall enjoys a prime location
on Oost Street in Vryheid, with convenient access via off-ramps from both the R34

and R60.

Project Team
Client: Moolman Group, JB Holdings,
Green Giraffe, Twin City
Development Manager: Moolman Group
Main Contractor: Ikotwe Construction
Architects: MDS Architecture
Landscape Architects: THE Landscape
Architects
Landscape Contractor: RSA Landscaping

Interactive water feature at the entrance to the mall, designed by landscape architect Tiaan Laker

ith over 800 free parking bays which harmonises with the architectural watering and care requirements. Ultimately,
and a dedicated taxi rank on site, vernacular, with the final design being designing a mall means designing for people
Wthe centre is accessible for both timeless and easy to maintain for many – considering how they move, gather and
private and public transport. Its strategic years to come. experience the space.
location and transport connectivity The landscape design was inspired by the
make it a retail hub for the surrounding building’s distinctive architectural features, Site challenges
communities of Vryheid, Newcastle, with shapes and forms from the façades The site is east facing and features
Paulpietersburg, Mondlo, Frischgewaagd, extended into the outdoor spaces to define slopes and embankments which required
Piet Retief, Glencoe, Dundee and Nqutu. circulation routes and spatial organisation. hydro seeding to stabilise and vegetate
Plant selection focused on year-round visual effectively. Due to the colder climate, plant
Brief and landscape design concept appeal, ensuring seasonal interest through sourcing was prioritised locally to ensure
The landscape design intent needed foliage with bold, contrasting colours that suitability and resilience. However, species
to complement and contextualise the echoed the mall’s vibrant palette. Preference sourced from outside the region had to be
unique architecture of the mall. The vision was given to hardy, water wise species transported over long distances, presenting
was a resilient landscape environment grouped into hydro-zones, which simplifies logistical challenges and added costs.

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 9