The development will more than double the retail space in the Boardwalk Precinct when it opens in 2021. MDS Architecture is designing the development, and work is planned to commence in early 2020.
Currently comprising a 6,000m2 Boardwalk Casino, 140-key five-Star Boardwalk Hotel, conference facilities, 11,800m2 of existing retail and a five-screen Nu Metro cinema complex, the Boardwalk Precinct’s retail component will increase to 26,000m2. In addition, the project includes a substantial upgrade and reconfiguration. It will amplify leisure and retail options by integrating more shops, restaurants, family entertainment and the new Sun Park Square designed to host major events.
Anthony Leeming, CEO of Sun International says, “We are delighted that the Boardwalk mall development is back on track. When it is complete, the new and expanded mall will complement the Boardwalk’s other leisure offerings, and further serve the needs of surrounding communities. We view the new mall to be an essential component of the broader Boardwalk precinct, which was identified and earmarked by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro as an important growth node. We are confident that it will accelerate the metro’s economic growth, job creation and increased returns to the province.”
With 17 hectares of land available for the redevelopment, Boardwalk Mall is only the first phase. There are plans to add even more variety in future, which could include additional hospitality, medical suites, big-box retail and a health club.
As part of the development, R11m will be invested in upgrading surrounding roads. Second Avenue will be widened into four lanes, and it will include a new entrance into Boardwalk Mall, with another on Marine Drive.
