Construction of the R500 million extension and upgrade to the retail area at the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2021.
This was confirmed recently by Flanagan & Gerard Group and Emfuleni Resorts, a subsidiary of Sun International.
The development is 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 planned Boardwalk Mall retail mix includes two supermarkets, two pharmacies, specialist food retailer and major bank representation, to name a few. The team behind the project remains confident in the future of Nelson Mandela Bay, even in the current global crisis.
The project’s partners commented, “We believe 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. Our hope is that its impacts will be felt in a more meaningful way than we could have anticipated.
“Our approach to the development includes a sharp focus on creating positive opportunities in the local market. The entire project has been designed to be very positive for the local economy and job creation, which will be significant in both the construction phase and after opening.”
The developers will work with a local community liaison officer to ensure optimal positive impact. A development of this kind typically creates about 2 000 jobs during construction and roughly 1 500 permanent posts thereafter.
In keeping with the team’s commitment to economic development, local contractors and materials will be used wherever possible.
There will also be significant investment in upgrading surrounding roads. Second Avenue will be widened into four lanes, and it will include a new entrance into the Boardwalk Mall.
The precinct currently comprises the 6 000m2 Boardwalk Casino, 140 key five-star Boardwalk Hotel, conference facilities, and 11 800m2 of existing retail, including a five-screen Nu Metro cinema complex.
Elevating the Boardwalk precinct’s total experience, the retail space will be increased to 23 000m2. More leisure and retail options will be added, with even more shops, restaurants and family fun. And, among the many highlights that guests can look forward to is the new Sun Park Square, which is designed to host events.
Anthony Leeming, CEO of Sun International, commented, “We are 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. The precinct’s different uses will also appeal to a wide range of people and ensure that it is activated around the clock and throughout the week.”
He added that Sun Park Square will also be able to host events that cater for local lifestyles, such as the Ironman.
Bongi Siwisa, chairperson of Emfuleni Resorts, said, “As long-standing partners of Sun International and investors in the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, including the current retail section, Emfuleni is pleased to extend our investment to the new Boardwalk Mall.
“We believe it is going to be a great asset for ourselves and its community.”
Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard, said they have always felt that this is a unique, strategic and exciting retail development opportunity in South Africa, and that view still holds.
“It is a privilege to working with visionary partners of the calibre of Emfuleni Resorts and Sun International to development of the ultimate convenience shopping experience in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, and we look forward to being part of the venture that will make this vision a reality.”
With 17 hectares of land available for the redevelopment, the Boardwalk Mall is only the first phase of the redevelopment.
There are plans to add even more variety in future, which could include additional hospitality, medical suites, big-box retail and a health club.
Issued: Flanagan & Gerard Property
Development & Investment
