Developed by Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, the expansion adds 1,805m2 of gross lettable area (GLA), increasing the centre's total retail footprint to 26,206m2 and its tenant complement to 108.
The investment responds to sustained retailer demand and strong trading performance since the mall's redevelopment opened in September 2022 as part of the wider Boardwalk Casino and Hotel precinct.
The centre's existing anchors include Checkers FreshX and Pick n Pay, alongside Dis-Chem and Clicks, fashion and speciality retailers, banking services, restaurants and entertainment offerings.
Paul Gerard, managing director of the Flanagan & Gerard Group, says demand from retailers created an opportunity to introduce brands that the centre could not previously accommodate.
“Demand from retailers has been a strong indication of the centre's success, and this expansion has allowed us to introduce brands that we could not previously accommodate, while strengthening the overall tenant offering,” says Gerard.
“Importantly, the investment is about more than adding retail space. It also creates better connections between shopping, restaurants and leisure activities, making the entire precinct more attractive and accessible to the people who use it.”
The expansion introduces a range of national retailers, including Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Cell, Faro, Cape Union Mart, Lindt, De Jagers, Polo, Niche Parfums and Woolworths Edit.
Several brands are also extending their presence in Nelson Mandela Bay. De Jagers and Polo are opening their first stores in the metro, while Woolworths Edit brings its curated clothing concept for men, women and children to the region for the first time.
Lindt's second Nelson Mandela Bay store includes a boutique ice-cream offering, while FARO is opening its second store in the metro.
The additions strengthen the centre's fashion and lifestyle categories, spanning youth-focused clothing, everyday apparel, outdoor and lifestyle products, and premium labels. They also expand the range of price points and shopping options available to consumers.
Boardwalk Mall manager Fredrick Sematimba says the broader tenant mix is intended to serve shoppers with different needs and budgets.
“Our aim has always been to offer something for everyone. The expanded fashion mix means that students, families and shoppers with different tastes and budgets have a much wider choice close to home, alongside our established grocery, healthcare, beauty and leisure offerings,” says Sematimba.
He adds that early trading feedback from new retailers has been encouraging.
Beyond the additional retail space, the development introduces new food and leisure attractions, including Jacks Bagels and Beyond Padel.
The padel facility, which opened last year, was the first within a shopping mall precinct in Nelson Mandela Bay, adding a recreational component to the centre's retail offering.
The expansion also includes an upgrade to Sun Park, the existing outdoor events space, with shops and restaurants now opening directly onto the area. This creates stronger connections between the mall's retail environment and its outdoor leisure facilities.
Surrounded by the mall and two neighbouring hotels, Sun Park has been reconfigured as a more intimate gathering space for community events, entertainment and live sports viewing.
The precinct retains its 60m2 Reveel screen and surround-sound facilities, while nearby attractions include the recently relocated The Magic Company and children's play areas at John Dory's and Spur.
Nomzamo Radebe, Sun International's chief operating officer for Hospitality & Sales, says the development supports a broader strategy to connect the mall, casino, hotels, conferencing and leisure attractions.
“The strength of Boardwalk lies in the combination of experiences available within one precinct. The expansion brings these elements closer together, allowing visitors to move easily between shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure,” says Radebe.
“Sun Park is an important part of that experience. By creating a more intimate and active space, we are improving its potential to bring people together, while reinforcing the Boardwalk precinct’s role as a destination for residents and visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay.”
The expansion is 60% owned by Changing Tides, a Flanagan & Gerard company, with Dondolo Property Trust and Emfuleni Resorts, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Sun International, each holding a 20% stake.
Delivered on time and within budget by Flanagan & Gerard, the project supported approximately 250 construction jobs. The new tenant complement is expected to create a further 65 to 70 permanent retail positions.
The development team included MDS as architects and Techni Construction as main contractor, supported by AeQuim, L&S Consulting, RWP, SFT and Graeme Page Consulting.
The wider precinct is also benefiting from the recently opened Capital Boardwalk Hotel, which is reporting increasing occupancy and demand for its conferencing, restaurant and private-function facilities.
Marc Wachsberger of The Capital Hotels & Apartments says the expanded retail and leisure offering adds to the precinct's appeal for business and leisure visitors.
“We are seeing growing demand for The Capital Boardwalk’s accommodation, conferencing and hospitality facilities, which reflects the appeal of the wider Boardwalk precinct to a wide range of visitors. Having an expanded variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options on our doorstep adds to that appeal and gives guests even more reasons to explore and spend time in the precinct.”
The completed expansion comes ahead of the festive season, when Nelson Mandela Bay is preparing to welcome an estimated four to six cruise liners.
Boardwalk Mall will offer seasonal activities from 15 to 24 December, including photographs with Santa and gift wrapping in support of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League. Christmas carols will take place in Sun Park on 18 December.
For the mall, the R60m investment is intended to strengthen its competitive position by combining a broader retail tenant mix with food, entertainment and hospitality attractions.
Gerard says the expansion reflects the owners' confidence in the centre and the wider Nelson Mandela Bay market.
“Boardwalk Mall has become an important part of life in Summerstrand, and this expansion reflects our commitment to keeping it relevant to the community it serves. It’s about responding to changing needs, supporting our retailers and ensuring the centre continues to offer a wonderfully welcoming, engaging environment for everyone.”
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