Imagine a place where shopping isn't just a chore, but an experience, a lifestyle. That's the promise of the brand-new Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre in Waterfall, Johannesburg, and it's a promise backed by a hefty R600 million investment. But is it just another mall, or something genuinely different? Let's dive in.
This isn't just about another shopping destination opening its doors; it's about catering to one of South Africa's most rapidly expanding areas. The Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre, a Century Property Developments project, boasts over 50 carefully chosen retail and service outlets. It's strategically positioned at the corner of Allandale and President Roads, right in the heart of the bustling Kyalami-Waterfall node. Fun fact: It gets its unique name from an actual mushroom farm that once bordered the original Waterval Farm, which is now the Waterfall Estates. Talk about local roots!
One of the key aims of this new centre is to be more than just a place to shop; it's designed to be a social and lifestyle hub. The central community piazza is intended to be a gathering place, a focal point for the community. This is intended to serve the growing populations of Waterfall, Kyalami, Midrand, and Sunninghill, making daily life a little easier, and a lot more convenient.
Accessibility is a major plus. The centre offers easy access via President Road, a whopping 1,150 public parking bays, dedicated Uber and Checkers Sixty60 pickup zones (complete with Wi-Fi!), 60 motorbike bays, and even 96 taxi bays. They've really thought of everything! Moreover, major road upgrades to Allandale Road and the K73, completed in 2023, were crucial for improving connectivity between the centre and surrounding residential and commercial areas.
According to Japie Vos, Project Manager at Century Property Developments, "This is not your typical mall. Customers can expect something different the moment they arrive." Every detail, from the layout and architecture to the tenant mix and even the pet-friendly spaces, has been carefully crafted to enhance daily life. The goal? A fresh take on convenience, seamlessly blending shopping, signature restaurants, offices, and a medical facility in a contemporary village setting.
Spanning 27,000 sqm, the centre occupies a prominent position on the highest point in the local area, with medical and office suites strategically located on the first floor. The ground floor is dedicated to retail and restaurant terraces, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Imagine enjoying a meal with that backdrop!
The anchor tenants are a massive 9,000 sqm Checkers Hyper and a 1,300 sqm Dis-Chem. Fashion lovers will be delighted to find WW Edit, Mr Price, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Contempo, and Kingsmead Shoes. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this tenant mix unique enough to truly stand out from other malls in the area? Only time will tell.
Other retail tenants include Levinger’s Dry Cleaning & Shoe Clinic, @Home, Dial-a-Bed, Mr Price Home, Pep Home, Volpes, Sorbet, Spec Savers, and Vision Works. PNA is also available, adding to the comprehensive range of services.
Foodies, rejoice! The mall boasts a diverse range of dining options, from familiar favorites like Wimpy and Seattle Coffee to exciting new additions like Pizza Baby, Tasty Gallos, and Yiko Asian Eatery. Notably, the popular Linden restaurant Whippet has expanded its presence to this area. Bootleggers, Blu Bam Boo Fusion Kitchen, Butcher Boys Prime Steakhouse, and Luna Lusa are also slated to open soon, further enriching the culinary landscape. But this is the part most people miss... Will the mall's food court be able to compete with the already established restaurants in the surrounding Waterfall area?
Designed by BAR Architects and built by Archstone Construction, the mall features eye-catching Japanese cedar panelling, reminiscent of a mushroom cap, and is bathed in generous natural light. But it doesn't stop there. The centre is also deeply committed to sustainability, featuring an on-site 2.1 MVA solar plant to ensure uninterrupted power supply during outages, as well as borehole and rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing, and indigenous landscaping. An on-site recycling plant further reduces its environmental footprint by diverting waste from landfills.
Construction commenced in September 2024 and was completed on schedule in October 2025, creating 2,100 jobs during the project. Local labor, suppliers, and artisans were prioritized, with community artists even creating bespoke murals for the central walkway. It's a testament to the mall's commitment to supporting the local community.
"Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre was designed to grow with its community," says Vos. "We’re incredibly proud of what we have created with and for our community, and excited for what comes next." And the future looks bright, as Vos confirms that a second phase for the Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre is already planned for 2026. This could include even more retail space, entertainment options, or residential units. The possibilities are endless.
So, is the Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre a game-changer for the Waterfall area? Will it truly become the social and lifestyle hub it aspires to be? And, perhaps more importantly, will it be able to effectively compete with established retail giants like the Mall of Africa, which is located just down the road? What are your thoughts? Does this new centre offer enough unique features to attract shoppers and become a thriving part of the community? Share your opinions in the comments below!
