The recognition celebrates a major transformation of the 31-year-old shopping centre, which has been reimagined as a contemporary retail destination inspired by a “bushveld boutique lodge”, while preserving its long-standing connection to the Hazyview community.
Owned and developed by Twin City, the R80 million redevelopment was designed by MDS Architects. The project earned unanimous support from the SACSC judges, who recognised how thoughtful design, delivered within tight budget parameters, had enhanced the customer experience while supporting healthy returns.
The Spectrum Award is regarded as the highest accolade in the SACSC’s annual retail design and development programme. It recognises innovation, creativity, vision and excellence across the shopping centre industry, with the overall winner selected from the Retail Design and Development Awards (RDDA).
The award was announced at this week’s SACSC Congress at the Durban ICC.
Three decades of growth, one bold new chapter
Lowveld Mall’s evolution reflects more than three decades of development. Now in its eighth iteration, the centre has expanded from approximately 9,000 square metres to more than 65,000 square metres.
Completed in early February 2026, the latest R80 million upgrade introduces a range of spaces designed to enrich the visitor experience and bring a distinctive sense of place to the centre.
Among the additions are a new external food court and entertainment area, landscaped public spaces, an amphitheatre, children’s play facilities and a learning centre. Distinctive architectural and design features draw inspiration from the culture and natural character of the Lowveld.
Together, these elements give the redeveloped mall a contemporary identity while building on its established role within the Hazyview community.
Twin City’s long-term vision recognised
For Twin City, the award is also recognition of a broader approach to property development, asset management and long-term value creation.
Ryno de Leeuw, CEO of Twin City, expressed his gratitude to the team behind the redevelopment and highlighted the importance of the company’s strategic direction.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the team, whose proactive asset management has ultimately been rewarded here. Both Groblersdal Mall and Lowveld Mall being recognised in the redevelopment category is a testament to the strategic decision that we took five years ago to continually challenge ourselves to create long-term value,” says de Leeuw.
The recognition of both Groblersdal Mall and Lowveld Mall in the redevelopment category underscores the company’s focus on continually improving its properties and creating lasting value.
A renewed destination rooted in the Lowveld
The award places Lowveld Mall’s redevelopment in the spotlight for its combination of design ambition, careful budget management and a focus on the customer experience.
Rather than simply refreshing an established shopping centre, the project introduces new gathering spaces, entertainment facilities and community-oriented amenities while reflecting the region’s distinctive character.
Established in 1984, Twin City is a privately held property development, investment and asset management company. The business develops and retains properties for the long term, with an emphasis on building lasting relationships and creating sustainable value.
For Lowveld Mall, the Spectrum Award marks a significant milestone in its ongoing evolution — recognising a redevelopment that brings together contemporary retail design, community connection and a long-term vision for the property.
