BT Ngebs City Mall is getting ready for a major facelift, say its new owners.
The Mthatha mall opened to much fanfare in 2015, when Eastern Cape-born property mogul Sisa Ngebulana named it after his grandfather and mentor, Buchanan Tandi Ngebulana.
The prestigious mall is now co-owned by the JSE-listed Vukile Property Fund and Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, which recently finalised its R800m acquisition.
The process of acquiring the 60,000m2 retail space began in 2022.
“The transfer signals a green light to commence with major refurbishment plans to bring the mall in line with the high standards of the new owners, while improving the overall retail experience for customers from this community and its surrounds,” they said this week.
“The redevelopment of the regional mall will bring significant improvement in its dynamics, flows and synergy with the neighbouring MayFair Hotel and Casino.”
Plans include escalators connecting the basement car park directly to the retail level.
This should streamline the flow and interaction, ensuring easy access and shopping convenience.
Lobbies at basement parking level will connect the new escalators to key tenants on the retail level above.
Improvements will be made on tenant signage, giving customers a “sense of direction and comfort” with the mall layout.
“Major upgrades are planned for the main mall entrance, bringing theatrical elements and a vibrant atmosphere to strengthen the connection with the adjacent Casino and Mayfair Hotel.
"The combination of new owner-operated restaurants, thoughtful landscaping, and an enhanced overall vibe will contribute to the revitalisation of this precinct, offering a more engaging and appealing experience for visitors from the region.”
According to the new co-owners, the mall’s mix will be energised, bringing new retailers to the space. Additional retailers focusing on first-order goods will be introduced with an additional pharmacy.
This should bolster a current tenant mix that already includes Pick n Pay, Checkers, Woolworths and Clicks, as well as fashion retailers like Truworths, Foschini, Edgars, Mr Price, Ackermans, Refinery, Archive, Timberland, Fabiani, G-Star Raw, Spitz, Soviet and Borgat Man.
"BT Ngebs City has all the right ingredients to be an exceptional retail assert in our portfolio,” said Flanagan & Gerard Property Group MD Paul Gerard.
"Its great location, access and visibility make it a popular shopping choice. We are excited to work with Vukile to unlock the mall’s potential and performance. Shoppers will soon have a wider choice.”
Last year the Dispatch reported that Vukile, a JSE-listed specialist retail investment trust, had a 44% defensive portfolio of property assets in SA and 56% in Spain.
Its SA MD, Itumeleng Mothibeli, this week said BT Ngebs has place in the Mthatha community's hearts.
“It is an asset with excellent potential. Vukile, together with Flanagan & Gerard, will continue the positive social and economic influence of BT Ngebs City in Mthatha and the region,” Mothibeli said.
The co-owners have collaborated on several award-winning retail property initiatives, including Thavhani Mall in Limpopo and Springs Mall in Ekurhuleni.
Eastern Cape Chamber of Business president Vuyisile Ntlabati was enthusiastic about the escalators. Safety and security was a big concern for shoppers, he added, pointing out that the underground parking base needs better lighting.
“People get mugged in lifts. Cars are broken into in parking bays. I had a spare tyre stolen from my bakkie there. Even if you enter the mall and just drive straight out seconds later, you are charged R5.”
He said more restaurants could perhaps help bring feet past turnstiles.
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