Durbanville, one of the Western Cape's oldest towns, is set to undergo significant development with the construction of the Groot Phesantekraal Shopping Centre and a new Stadio campus. Scheduled for completion in mid-2025, these projects are expected to address the evolving needs of the local community and contribute to the area’s growing appeal as a residential and commercial hub.

Durbanville has seen significant growth in recent years as more families and professionals are drawn to its peaceful suburban environment, while still enjoying close proximity to urban amenities.

Groot Phesantekraal Shopping Centre

Residents can look forward to enjoying a wide range of retailers at the new Groot Phesantekraal Shopping Centre, which spans approximately 30,000 square meters and combines retail, dining, and leisure experiences in one multifunctional space. Key tenants include Checkers, Checkers Liquor, Checkers Outdoor, Super Spar, Tops, Woolworths, Dischem, Clicks, Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sport, Ackermans, De Jagers, Pep, Pep Home, Pick n Pay Clothing, Crazy Plastics, Crazy Pets, Uniq, Dave Sheer Cape, Planet Fitness, PNA, Bossa, Bootleggers, and McDonald's. With such a diverse selection, residents are sure to find everything they need in one convenient location at the intersection of Okavango Road and Klipheuwel Road.

The opening of the center is expected to drive up local property demand by offering increased convenience and drawing more visitors to the area. This, in turn, will stimulate local economic activity.

This development highlights the way South African shopping centres are evolving to keep up with the changing retail landscape, combining the classic appeal and practicality of traditional malls with the necessary innovations needed to stay relevant. It also features Durbanville’s unique charm, where modern conveniences and the town's rich history come together, showcasing a balance of tradition and progress.

Stadio Campus

A new campus is being developed in Durbanville, northern Cape Town, designed to offer a variety of programs in fields such as education, IT, law, media, design, commerce, architecture, and engineering. Scheduled to open in the 2026 academic year, the campus will accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 contact-learning students, with plans to expand to eventually serve 100,000 students, 80% of whom will study via distance learning. This development is part of a larger effort to improve access to higher education in South Africa.

The Durbanville campus is intended to address the growing demand for higher education in the Western Cape, offering an alternative to the region's four public universities, which are currently experiencing capacity issues. In addition to its educational goals, the campus aims to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and promoting development in the area, especially with the nearby Cape Winelands Airport set to drive further growth.

Spanning 13,000 square meters, the campus will open in phases, beginning with the construction of access roads, academic buildings, lecture halls, and parking in mid-2025. By February 2026, a rugby field built to international standards will be completed, providing a venue for international matches. The campus will offer a range of qualifications, including higher certificates, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate programs, catering to a broad spectrum of students.

A key component of the campus is to provide alternative pathways into higher education, especially for students who did not meet university entry requirements after high school. Additionally, postgraduate students will benefit from the STADIO Khulisa Student Share Scheme, which allows them to become shareholders in the institution, promoting a sense of ownership and involvement in the campus's success.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the campus will incorporate eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting and waterwise landscaping. Plans also include student accommodation, sports facilities, and shared access to sports fields with a nearby school. The development aims to offer a holistic student experience, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and strong community engagement.

The planned developments in Durbanville, including the Groot Phesantekraal Shopping Centre and the Stadio campus, are set to meet the evolving needs of the local community. These projects will enhance retail, educational, and recreational offerings in the area, contributing to both economic growth and the town’s role as a residential and commercial hub. The shopping Centre will provide greater convenience and variety, while the Stadio campus will offer additional higher education options, particularly for students seeking alternatives to existing universities. Together, these developments support Durbanville's ongoing growth and its balance of modern amenities and historical character.

Links that may interest you:

Multidirect Investments 41 – Property Developers
Draft Development layout plan 2019

Stadio University Campus

Contact Learning – Student Support Handbook

Distance Learning – Student Support Handbook