Kirstie Paulse: AlgoaFM News
The sod turning for the R500-million Boardwalk Mall took place on Thursday with Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga and Eastern Cape Finance, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism MEC Mlungisi Mvoko among those in attendance.
Two-thirds of the mall’s development site in the Boardwalk Precinct transferred to Flanagan & Gerard Group last month, with Emfuleni Resorts holding the remaining third.
At the same time, the plans for Boardwalk Mall received all the necessary approvals, clearing the way for the construction of this multi-million rand development.
It's an extension and upgrade of the Boardwalk Precinct, which will more than double its retail space to 23 000sqm and is the first phase of a 17-hectare redevelopment that is seen as been strategically, economically, and socially significant for its city and region.
MEC Mvoko described Boardwalk Mall as a landmark development for Nelson Mandela Bay which would provide a welcome boost for the Eastern Cape economy in general and the Nelson Mandela Bay economy in particular.
Mayor Bhanga described the development as “forward-looking” and well-located on the city’s beachfront to position it as a sporting and entertainment destination.
Bongi Siwisa, Chairperson of Emfuleni Resorts, said she was proud to be part of the sod-turning ceremony for this R500-million extension and upgrade project, which would enable redevelopment of the precinct and provide much-needed employment and an economic revival in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of Boardwalk Mall and the extended Boardwalk Precinct is that it will provide a genuinely exciting, engaging, and immersive experience and an enjoyable meeting place where locals can also fulfill their daily retail needs,” said Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard.
Boardwalk Mall will offer an array of retail with 80 stores and access to national brands. Big names in retail include Checkers and Checkers Liquorshop, Pick n Pay and Pick n Pay Liquor, Woolworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, and NuMetro.
In addition, the mall’s tenant mix includes The Magic Company, Spur, Fishaways, Debonairs, Steers, Wimpy, Ackermans, Pick n Pay Clothing and the Crazy Store.
The Capital Hotel Group lobby will enter from the side of the mall. This will be complemented by all the appeal and excitement of the Boardwalk Precinct, including events at the spectacular new Sun Park Square.
Boardwalk Mall’s first phase is set to be completed and launched on 9 December 2021. The official opening, which marks the second phase’s completion, is scheduled for 22 September 2022.
