The construction of the Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha, South Africa, is progressing as planned. The facility will open to the public in September this year. Reportedly, the 24 000m2 single-level mall’s development is currently 80% complete. This is after approximately one year of construction.
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The works began in May 2021 with 87% of the labor sourced locally. The bulk earthworks and demolition were carried out from February to April 2021 following site preparation works in February 2020.
Development of the Boardwalk Mall Project
Boardwalk Mall is a significant project by Flanagan & Gerard and Emfuleni Resorts, a Sun International division. The iconic Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World’s success and deep community roots serve as a foundation for the R500 million expansion. The Boardwalk mall will be twice the size of the precinct’s retail area. Its first phase opened on March 24, 2022, while its full completion is scheduled to open on September 22, 2022.
The mall offers Pick n Pay, Clicks, and the most recent NuMetro theatre improvement, in addition to the first Checkers, Woolworths, and Dis-Chem stores. All these stores will open in the Summerstrand region. In addition, shoppers can anticipate Sportscene, Totalsports, Ripcurl, Queenspark, Senqu, American Swiss, Exact, Refinery, Legit, and Side Step.
Furthermore, a McDonald’s drive-through and Spur, Steers, Debonairs, Fishaways, and Wimpy restaurants will also be available. this is in addition to Absa, Capitec, FNB, and Nedbank banking services.
The Broadwalk Mall’s Importance for Independent Retail Talent
The Boardwalk Mall’s guiding principle is to support regional businesses. When the mall’s initial section debuted in March this year, it highlighted regional independent retail talent. It also gave a little sample of its distinctive aesthetic. Local fashionistas Hombakazi and Larpelo Eyewear recently opened stores in the mall. They will supplement their strong national internet presence.
Noteworthy, the mall’s primary phase will feature more regional and independent retail highlights. These include Balkan Burger & Deli, Gussies Stationers for independent stationery, homeware from @home, and gifts. The Cape Town brand Yokico for unusual and creative children’s school supplies is also one of the few independent South African businesses joining the Boardwalk Mall.
Retailers in the main phase have already started preparing their Boardwalk Mall locations to receive consumers. Only five stores remain to be leased at the mall.
Broadwalk Mall entertainment offering
The Boardwalk Mall connects the 140-room, five-star Boardwalk Hotel, and the Sun International Boardwalk Casino.
In addition, shoppers may go out onto the lovely walkway that runs down the wildly popular Blue Flag Hobie Beach. This is located directly on the coastline and is close to the MSC cruise liner pier in Port Elizabeth Harbour.
