A nostalgic moment and a bold new chapter are converging at the iconic GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World. Flanagan & Gerard, in partnership with Sun International, has officially unveiled plans for GrandWest Mall, a vibrant new retail development set to transform one of Cape Town’s most beloved entertainment destinations.
From Childhood Memories to Major Developments
Speaking at the launch, Jonathan Shutte, Asset Management Director at Flanagan & Gerard, reflected on the location’s rich history. “As a little boy growing up in the Cape in the ’80s and ’90s I watched my cousin on horseback jumping over steeples at the Goodwood Showgrounds. Who would’ve thought that years later we’d be developing a shopping centre on this very site?”
That site is now home to GrandWest, a premier leisure destination that opened in December 2000 and continued to offer world-class entertainment, from an Olympic-size ice rink and cinemas to two nightclubs, a children’s play park and the iconic Grand Arena.
Development phase
Construction will commence in the third quarter of 2025 (September) with a grand opening set for the first quarter of 2027 (March).
Why GrandWest Mall?
Paul Gerard, Managing Director at Flanagan and Gerard, said the new mall will be more than just a retail space; it’s a community hub. “GrandWest Mall will be anchored by two supermarkets, a specialised food store and two pharmacies. It will also offer fashion, athleisure, health and beauty, services, travel, banking, and a variety of restaurants.”
Mall specs at a glance
Retail space: 22 000 m²
Health and fitness facilities: 2 000 m²
Safe and secure environment: Shoppers can expect peace of mind in a highly secure setting
Seamless connection: Integrated with the casino, hotel and entertainment complex
Strategic location, strong reach
Situated between the N1 and N2 along the M7 motorway, GrandWest Mall occupies a prime location. With limited competing retail options nearby and a lack of large regional malls in the trade area the mall is positioned as the primary shopping destination for surrounding suburbs.
Catchment areas include:
Goodwood, Thornton, Norwood, Epping, Bonteheuwel, Elsies River, Langa, Kensington, Gugulethu and Parow.
As Cape Town’s development expands northwards along the N7 corridor the mall’s location places it in the heart of the city’s future growth zone.
More than retail: A complete lifestyle offering
Norman Basthaw, CFO of Sun International, emphasised the significance of the GrandWest precinct: “GrandWest is more than just a landmark; it’s a symbol of excellence, resilience and innovation in the Western Cape, from its Victorian architecture to the spirit of District Six, it celebrates Cape Town’s history while embracing its future.”
The mall also leverages GrandWest’s established appeal:
- The only casino in the Cape
- One of the province’s few Olympic-standard ice rinks
- A venue that regularly hosts major international concerts
This synergy between shopping and entertainment ensures that GrandWest Mall will not only serve local residents but also attract tourists and visitors from across the Cape and beyond.
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