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The planned extension and upgrade to the retail area of the Boardwalk will go ahead in the first quarter of 2021.
This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Flanagan & Gerard Group and Emfuleni Resorts, a subsidiary of Sun International.
They said the R500 million redevelopment was expected to more than double the retail space in the Boardwalk Precinct, which will be tenanted with retailers to the local market, and ready to open in 2022.
“The team behind the project remain confident in the future of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and its people, even in the midst of an extraordinary time in history,” the statement said.
The project partners said they believed that the Boardwalk Mall redevelopment has become more relevant for its community than ever, and “we couldn’t be more pleased to confirm that it will be proceeding with this investment.”
Anthony Leeming, CEO of Sun International, said they were excited about the many synergies between the different elements of the new Boardwalk Precinct.
“The retail, leisure, casino and events will all complement each other, and create an amazing experience for guests. Its different uses will also appeal to a wide-range of people and ensure the precinct is activated around the clock and throughout the week. Sun Park Square will also be able to host events that cater to local lifestyles, such as the Iron Man,” Leeming said.
Bongi Siwisa, the chairperson of Emfuleni Resorts, said as long-standing partners of Sun International and investors in the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, they were pleased to extend their investment to the new Boardwalk Mall.
“We believe it is going to be a great asset for ourselves and its community,” Siwisa said.
Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard, said they always felt that this was a unique, strategic and exciting retail development opportunity in South Africa, “and our view still holds.”
