New R600 million shopping mall coming to the Western Cape
On 19 June, the Flanagan & Gerard Group, in partnership with Sun International, hosted the leasing launch of GrandWest Mall, a R600 million mall in the Western Cape.
According to the Flanagan & Gerard Group, the event drew the interest of over 100 leading national, regional, and local retailers.
This turnout reflects strong interest in this bespoke 22,000 sqm shopping centre that will form part of GrandWest and elevate convenience retail in the Western Cape.
With leasing officially underway, GrandWest Mall will build on its reputation and range of experiences at the largest entertainment destination of its kind in South Africa, as well as Sun International’s most successful casino.
Approximately R600 million will be invested in the new GrandWest Mall, which will be two-thirds owned by Flanagan & Gerard and one-third by Sun International.
The partnership between Sun International and Flanagan & Gerard comes after the successful redevelopment of the Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
This collaboration aims to bring “a bespoke community retail development to the precinct to enhance its leisure and hospitality assets.”
The companies are developing a new single-level community shopping centre that will link into GrandWest’s redeveloped children’s entertainment area to enhance family appeal.
They added that GrandWest Mall will further enhance the shopping and entertainment for the Western Cape’s local communities and regional visitors.
The mall will cater to everyday essentials and culinary cravings, featuring two grocers, two pharmacies, and an array of speciality food retailers.
The mall will also feature fashion, health, beauty, and athleisure retailers, as well as bookstores, stationery shops, home décor stores, and gift shops.
Shoppers will also be able to enjoy new eateries as part of GrandWest’s range of family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops.
“With comprehensive services and a vibrant mix of offerings, GrandWest Mall is poised to become the go-to destination for convenience in the area,” the group commented.
Investment opportunity
“We believe that our investment in the GrandWest Mall will add enormous value to GrandWest and will become a vital asset for the broader Goodwood area,” said Sun International’s CEO, Anthony Leeming.
“As the experience with our Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha has proved, we have full confidence in our partner Flanagan & Gerard to deliver a world-class retail development that will enhance our GrandWest visitor experience.”
Flanagan & Gerard assured that they undertake extensive research before committing to a new development, and GrandWest Mall is no exception.
One of Flanagan & Gerard’s most notable projects is Fourways Mall, which the group was called in to help transform after a costly expansion left the retailer with low foot traffic and a high vacancy rate.
“Our demographic research shows there is a very real need to create a retail centre that answers the everyday shopping needs in this community,” said Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard.
“GrandWest Mall is being carefully designed to satisfy its immediate market and regional entertainment customers. We are thrilled to be working with Sun International again and to create the ultimate shopping experience at GrandWest.”
They also emphasised the importance of making it convenient for those in the area to access the mall. Locals and commuters travelling to and from work will enjoy easy, direct access from the N7, N1 and N2 highways.
Grandwest Mall will offer a range of convenient on-grade parking to ensure easy access. The development will include full backup power, protecting it against power disruptions.
The developers said that resource efficiency is a key consideration for them. As such, the mall will feature water-wise, indigenous landscaping, waste recycling, and energy efficiency by incorporating natural light into its design.
GrandWest Casino
The GrandWest Mall project will also boost local employment and opportunities. A development of this scale creates about 2,500 jobs during construction and roughly 2,000 permanent posts.
In keeping with the team’s commitment to economic development, local contractors and materials will be used wherever possible.
According to the group, GrandWest is already the biggest entertainment destination in the city and one of Cape Town’s most prominent landmarks.
It first opened in December 2000 and currently comprises an 11,000 sqm casino, a 5,400-seat multi-purpose indoor arena and entertainment facility, and conference facilities.
The complex also includes two hotels – the Grand Hotel and the City Lodge – as well as entertainment options like a Cine Centre, Magic Company, Ten Pin Bowling, Cape Town’s only ice rink, The Ice Station, and a variety of restaurants and eateries.
GrandWest is the only licensed casino in the Cape Town Metropole. Building on its strength, the Grand Hotel recently underwent a R125-million extension and upgrade.
The project involved the addition of 64 rooms to the boutique Grand Hotel. For over 21 years, the Grand Hotel has operated at a 99% occupancy rate, with its original 39 rooms booked long in advance. The new hotel rooms bring the total to 103 rooms.
GrandWest attracts approximately 500,000 visitors monthly with its blend of world-class restaurants and entertainment options. The development and addition of GrandWest Mall will amplify this appeal even further for locals.
GrandWest’s General Manager, Mervyn Naidoo, explained that GrandWest’s development was a catalyst for investment in this area.
For years, he said, they have funded several projects that benefited the community and the city, including a significant upgrade of Jakes Gerwel Drive.
“But the area has always lacked a retail centre. We run a 24/7 operation, averaging over 16,000 visitors a day, so we have been regularly asked to add a retail element for the convenience of our surrounding communities.”
“Now I am delighted that we can finally give them what they have long asked us for – the high-end GrandWest Mall shopping experience.”
Inside GrandWest Mall
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