The fully-let Boardwalk Mall celebrated its grand opening today, September 22 in Summerstrand, Gqeberha.
The 24 000sqm Boardwalk Mall is a major development by Flanagan & Gerard Group and Emfuleni Resorts, a subsidiary of Sun International. It is the result of the extension and upgrade of the Boardwalk Precinct, which brings an exciting array of world-class convenience and entertainment to Gqeberha.
The new Boardwalk Mall has been developed with a carefully curated tenant mix to serve its local community first and foremost, while having a wide appeal to a large cross-section of shoppers, holidaymakers and tourists. It features 92 stores and is anchored by the first Checkers, Woolworths Food and Dis-Chem stores in its area, complemented by a Pick n Pay and Clicks, plus the latest VIP cinema upgrades from NuMetro. It also includes the new 2 500sqm multi-functional open-air Sunpark events arena.
In his official address, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, welcomed the investment by Emfuleni Resorts and Flanagan & Gerard.
“Boardwalk has always been one of the best-identified tourist facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay, and the development of Boardwalk Mall will now enhance its popularity.”
Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard, commented at the official opening of Boardwalk Mall, “It is both an honour and a privilege to bring Boardwalk Mall to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, right here in the iconic suburb of Summerstrand in Gqeberha. Thanks to Anthony Leeming of Sun International for inviting Flanagan & Gerard to partner with them on this unique development. This shopping experience is right up there with any other in South Africa! Not only has this development created jobs for the people of Gqeberha, but it has also brought a world-class shopping and entertainment node to the Eastern Cape.”
@expressnewspapers Opening of the new Boardwalk Mall in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. #boardwalkmall #shoppingfun #shopping #peexpress ? original sound – Express Newspapers
Anthony Leeming, CEO of Sun International, pointed out that the mall’s journey began eight years ago well before its development commenced.
“We had a dream to redevelop the mall and were very fortunate to eventually find the right partners in Flanagan & Gerard. Sun International is invested in the Eastern Cape, committed to Gqeberha and proud to be partners in Boardwalk Mall – it is an amazing mall befitting the friendly city.”
Chairperson of Emfuleni Resorts, Bongi Siwisa, said, “From an Emfuleni Resorts perspective, since the start more than 20 years ago it has been wonderful to witness the evolution and revolution of this tourism gem. The Boardwalk Hotel & Casino and Boardwalk Mall will stand the test of time.”
Construction of the mall
Construction of the Boardwalk Mall began in May 2021. While 22 September 2022 marked the grand opening celebration of Boardwalk Mall, a third of its tenants opened in the first phase in March 2022 and have been patiently trading while waiting for the second phase to be completed.
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The development has introduced pedestrian-friendly connections to the mall from Marine Drive, the hotel and casino and upgraded roads to ensure a safe stroll from the nearby school, university, guest houses and homes. The mall has 1 000-plus public parking bays, reserved parking for shoppers with special needs close to entrances and a dedicated taxi drop-off and pick-up zone.
Upcoming events and shop openings
There is just as much to look forward to at Boardwalk Mall, which will host a celebration of every upcoming milestone, from Halloween to the festive season, with family events, spectacular decor and fun all round.
In addition, popular South African household brands Doppio Zero and Pauls Ice Cream, the final tenants to join the Boardwalk Mall line-up, will both be bringing their first retail stores to the region in time for the holiday season. Paul’s Ice Cream will open at the end of November and Doppio Zero in early December.
There are already plenty of events on the cards for next year, from the 2023 Isuzu Ironman on Boardwalk Mall’s front doorstep to being a Fan Park for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, family entertainment and much, much more including the diverse events and conferences hosted by Sun International in the ICC throughout the year.
Boardwalk Mall trading hours
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 19h00
Sunday and Public holidays 09:00 to 17:00
