Boardwalk Mall unveils R60m expansion ahead of festive season
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Boardwalk Mall opens R60 million expansion ahead of the festive season. The Summerstrand centre in Nelson Mandela Bay has added 1,805m² of retail space, taking it to 26,206m² with 108 tenants. Developed by Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, the project supported about 250 construction jobs. It is expected to create another 65 to 70 permanent retail positions. New brands include Mr Price, Lindt, Cape Union Mart and Woolworths Edit. De Jagers and Polo are opening their first stores in Nelson Mandela Bay. Sun Park has also been transformed, with new retail and restaurant frontages linking directly to the outdoor events space. Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, said: "Demand from retailers has been a strong indication of the centre's success, and this expansion has allowed us to introduce brands that we could not previously accommodate, while strengthening the overall tenant offering." The mall is owned by a consortium. Changing Tides holds 60 percent, while Dondolo Property Trust and Emfuleni Resorts each hold 20 percent. Festive attractions run from 15 to 24 December, with Christmas carols in Sun Park on 18 December. Read the full story by Neale Petersen on rei.co.za.
Flanagan & Gerard’s latest investment adds new retail brands, creates jobs and transforms Sun Park, strengthening Nelson Mandela Bay’s premier shopping and leisure destination.
- R60 million expansion adds 1,805m² of retail space, taking Boardwalk Mall to 26,206m² with 108 tenants.
- New retailers and job creation: The development supported 250 construction jobs and is expected to create up to 70 permanent positions.
- Integrated lifestyle destination: Upgraded Sun Park, new restaurants, entertainment and hotels strengthen the precinct’s appeal to shoppers and tourists.
R60 million investment signals confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay
Boardwalk Mall in Summerstrand, Nelson Mandela Bay, has officially opened its R60 million expansion, introducing new retail brands, enhanced leisure facilities and a revitalised Sun Park precinct ahead of the festive trading season.
Developed by Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, the extension adds 1,805m² of gross lettable area (GLA), increasing the centre’s total footprint to 26,206m² across 108 tenants. The investment reflects sustained retailer demand, strong occupancy and trading performance since Boardwalk Mall’s redevelopment opened in September 2022.
More importantly, it demonstrates how strategic reinvestment in established retail assets can strengthen tenant mix, increase visitor appeal and support long-term property value.
The expansion forms part of the wider Boardwalk Casino and Hotel precinct, integrating retail, hospitality, entertainment and leisure into a connected destination.
1. Retail investment backed by strong demand
Boardwalk Mall is owned by a consortium comprising:
- Changing Tides (Flanagan & Gerard): 60%
- Dondolo Property Trust: 20%
- Emfuleni Resorts (Sun International subsidiary): 20%
The expansion was completed on time and within budget by Flanagan & Gerard, with MDS as architects and Techni Construction as the main contractor. The project supported approximately 250 construction jobs and is expected to generate another 65 to 70 permanent retail positions.
Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, says the development responds directly to retailer demand. “Demand from retailers has been a strong indication of the centre’s success, and this expansion has allowed us to introduce brands that we could not previously accommodate, while strengthening the overall tenant offering.”
Gerard emphasises that the investment extends beyond additional retail space, creating stronger connections between shopping, restaurants and leisure attractions.
For property investors, the expansion illustrates the importance of continually repositioning successful retail assets to remain competitive.
2. New brands strengthen Boardwalk’s retail offering
The expansion introduces several national and international retailers, including:
- Fashion and lifestyle: Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Cell, Polo, FARO, Cape Union Mart and De Jagers.
- Speciality retail: Lindt, Niche Parfums and Woolworths Edit.
- Food and leisure: Jacks Bagels and additional attractions complementing the precinct’s existing entertainment offering.
De Jagers and Polo are opening their first stores in Nelson Mandela Bay, while Woolworths Edit brings its curated clothing concept to the metro for the first time. Lindt’s second store in the region introduces a boutique ice-cream offering, while FARO opens its second Nelson Mandela Bay location.
The new retailers complement existing anchors Checkers FreshX and Pick n Pay, together with Dis-Chem, Clicks, banking services and an extensive dining offering.
Boardwalk Mall Manager Fredrick Sematimba says the expanded tenant mix reinforces the centre’s positioning as a destination Where Everyone Meets. “Our aim has always been to offer something for everyone. The expanded fashion mix means that students, families and shoppers with different tastes and budgets have a much wider choice close to home.”
He adds that encouraging early trading feedback from new retailers supports confidence in the expanded offering.
3. Sun Park transforms into an entertainment destination
A major feature of the investment is the transformation of Sun Park into a more intimate, integrated shopping and entertainment environment.
New retail and restaurant frontages now connect directly with the outdoor events space, improving accessibility and encouraging visitors to move between different precinct attractions.
Key improvements include:
- Stronger pedestrian connections between retail, restaurants and entertainment.
- The existing 60m² Reveel screen and surround-sound facilities for events and live sports.
- Family-friendly attractions, including The Magic Company and children’s play areas.
- Greater opportunities for community events and outdoor entertainment.
Beyond Padel, which opened last year as Nelson Mandela Bay’s first padel facility within a shopping mall precinct, adds another recreational dimension.
Nomzamo Radebe, Sun International Chief Operating Officer: Hospitality & Sales, says the strategy is to integrate the precinct’s various attractions. “The strength of Boardwalk lies in the combination of experiences available within one precinct.”
Radebe explains that connecting shopping, dining, hotels and entertainment more effectively strengthens Boardwalk’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
The investment reflects a broader retail property trend: successful shopping centres increasingly compete on experiences, convenience and dwell time rather than retail space alone.
4. Hospitality investment strengthens the precinct
The recently opened The Capital Boardwalk Hotel is adding further momentum to the mixed-use destination. The hotel reports increasing occupancy and strong demand for conferencing, restaurants and private functions.
Marc Wachsberger of The Capital Hotels & Apartments says the expanded retail and leisure offering enhances the hotel’s appeal. “Having an expanded variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options on our doorstep adds to that appeal and gives guests even more reasons to explore and spend time in the precinct.”
The relationship between retail and hospitality creates potential benefits for both sectors. Hotel guests generate additional retail and restaurant spending, while the mall’s entertainment and dining facilities strengthen the overall visitor experience.
For commercial property investors, this demonstrates the value of complementary uses within integrated precincts.
5. Festive season brings new trading opportunities
The expansion opens ahead of the important year-end trading period, when Nelson Mandela Bay expects increased visitor activity, including approximately four to six cruise liner visits.
Boardwalk Mall has planned several festive attractions:
- 15–24 December: Photographs with Santa and charitable gift wrapping supporting the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.
- 18 December: Christmas carols in Sun Park.
- Throughout the season: Expanded shopping, dining and family entertainment experiences.
The festive programme provides an early opportunity to attract additional visitors and introduce shoppers to the new retail offering.
Strategic reinvestment builds long-term retail value
Boardwalk Mall’s R60 million expansion demonstrates how targeted capital investment can enhance an established shopping centre’s competitiveness without fundamentally changing its market positioning.
By adding sought-after retailers, improving leisure facilities and strengthening connections with neighbouring hotels and entertainment venues, the owners are positioning the precinct for continued relevance and growth.
For Flanagan & Gerard and its investment partners, the expansion represents confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay’s retail market and the long-term potential of integrated mixed-use destinations.
Gerard concludes: “It’s about responding to changing needs, supporting our retailers and ensuring the centre continues to offer a wonderfully welcoming, engaging environment for everyone.”
The investment takeaway
Successful retail property investment is increasingly about creating destinations that attract people, encourage spending and deliver experiences that extend well beyond traditional shopping.