Baywest Mall in Nelson Mandela Bay has officially opened its taxi rank this week.
Marketing Manager Lindsay Davies says this was done in an effort to improve public transport services to enhance accessibility to the mall.
She says the Baywest Mall taxi rank, situated outside Entrance 2 on the Lower Ground parking level will serve an initial 13 routes to and from different parts of the city, making it easier for everyone to visit the mall and take advantage of the multitude of shopping, entertainment and employment opportunities it offers.
“Public transport is a key focus area for Baywest Mall to improve access to the mall, its secondary catchment area and for the general development of the city’s Western suburbs. In addition to the taxi routes, Algoa bus also travels to Baywest Mall and Ubers make use of Entrance 4 for pick-ups and drop-offs,” said Davies.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) endorsed the new rank with representatives from SANTACO and SANTACO Western Suburbs who attended the official opening on Tuesday.
“We are very excited to be part of the growth of Baywest Mall. In the past we had an effective operational taxi rank at the mall, but in 2020 our operations were reduced, and our rank was not functioning optimally.
"At the beginning of 2024 we took a decision to revive our operations and from our first meeting with the current management of Baywest Mall we received a warm reception and willingness to support our vision of bringing our clients from across Nelson Mandela Bay to the mall.
"We, the Nelson Mandela Regional taxi council, thank Baywest management for renovating and upgrading the facilities at the taxi rank,” said Thabiso Gcuze, Chairman of Nelson Mandela Bay regional taxi council.
The new routes include:
New Brighton; Njoli; Veeplaas; Kwamagxaki; Kwa-Dwesi; Seyisi; Salamntu; Soweto; Motherwell; Wells Estate; Kamvelihle; Missionvale; Govan Mbeki; Booysen Park; Nkandla; Westville; Korsten and Town.
Earlier this year it was announced that Baywest Mall and Hemingways Mall in Buffalo City were under new management after being purchased by Hangar 18 Investments.
Davies says since the takeover in January 2024, Hangar 18 has been actively developing tenant networks, leasing new spaces and considering strategic ways to fast-track the mall’s appeal to the greater community.
"Our focus is on creating a family-friendly environment with entertainment options for both children and adults, aiming to expand the mall’s service offerings,” she added.
In September the eagerly awaited opening of a 3 000sqm entertainment area, Algoa Grand Prix, will further enhance Baywest Mall’s entertainment offering, making it a one-stop family entertainment hub for residents and visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay.
It will be located on the Upper Ground level with access from the Entrance 2 parking area.
Adrenaline junkies will be able to race in either the 16 adult or 10 junior go-karts, or share the fun in 3 double go-karts, along the exciting 220m go-kart track.
Algoa Grand Prix will also offer 16-hole putt-putt, Virtual Reality Formula 1 and an indoor two-lane paintball shooting range, which is a first for the Bay.
