Imagine a bustling hub where convenience meets community, nestled in one of South Africa’s fastest-growing regions. That’s exactly what’s happening with the R600 million Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre, which has just opened its doors in Waterfall, Johannesburg. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t your average mall. It’s a carefully curated lifestyle destination designed to redefine how we think about shopping and social spaces. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about retail; it’s about creating a sustainable, community-focused experience that grows with its surroundings.
Strategically located at the corner of Allandale and President Roads, in the heart of the Kyalami-Waterfall node, the centre is a stone’s throw from South Africa’s most visited mall, the Mall of Africa. Its name pays homage to a working mushroom farm that once neighbored the original Waterval Farm, now transformed into the thriving Waterfall Estates. With over 50 handpicked retail and service offerings, the centre is more than a shopping destination—it’s a social and lifestyle hub anchored by a vibrant community piazza.
Designed to serve the growing catchment areas of Waterfall, Kyalami, Midrand, and Sunninghill, the mall prioritizes accessibility. It offers easy entry via President Road, along with 1,150 public parking bays, dedicated Uber and Checkers Sixty60 pickup zones equipped with Wi-Fi, 60 motorbike bays, and 96 taxi bays. But here’s the controversial part: while some might argue that malls contribute to urban sprawl, the Mushroom Farm Centre has taken steps to mitigate this by incorporating major road upgrades to Allandale Road and the K73, completed in 2023, to improve connectivity with nearby residential and commercial zones. Is this enough to balance development with sustainability? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Spanning 27,000 sqm, the centre sits prominently on the highest point in the neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The ground floor features retail and restaurant terraces, while the first floor houses medical and office suites. Anchored by a 9,000 sqm Checkers Hyper and a 1,300 sqm Dis-Chem, the mall also boasts fashion retailers like WW Edit, Mr Price, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Contempo, and Kingsmead Shoes.
For dining, visitors can enjoy a mix of local and international flavors, including Wimpy, Seattle Coffee, Pizza Baby, Tasty Gallos, Yiko Asian Eatery, and the expansion of the beloved Linden restaurant, Whippet. Upcoming additions like Bootleggers, Blu Bam Boo Fusion Kitchen, Butcher Boys Prime Steakhouse, and Luna Lusa promise to keep the culinary scene fresh and exciting.
Here’s where it gets even more innovative: the mall, designed by BAR Architects and built by Archstone Construction, features Japanese cedar panelling reminiscent of a mushroom cap, flooding the space with natural light. Sustainability is at its core, with an on-site 2.1 MVA solar plant ensuring uninterrupted operations during power outages, borehole and rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow plumbing, and indigenous landscaping. Even waste is managed responsibly through an on-site recycling plant.
Construction began in September 2024 and was completed on schedule in October 2025, creating 2,100 jobs in the process. Local labor, suppliers, and artisans were prioritized, with community artists contributing bespoke murals to the central walkway. “Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre was designed to grow with its community,” said Japie Vos, Project Manager at Century Property Developments. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created with and for our community, and excited for what comes next.”
And what comes next is already in the works—a second phase is planned for 2026. But here’s the question: As malls evolve into community hubs, how can they truly serve the needs of their neighborhoods while staying sustainable? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going!
