World-class Boardwalk Mall opens on the beachfront
● Business and tourism leaders gather for gala launch of new retail and relaxation development which mixes big names and local boutiques
Gqeberha’s new R500m shopping, lifestyle and entertainment centre, the Boardwalk Mall, opened on the beachfront yesterday with the promise of “joy and convenience” for citizens and tourists.
The mall, which is coowned by Emfuleni Resorts and Changing Tides 91, has also created 1,500 permanent jobs.
Several hundred people from the construction, business, hospitality and tourism sectors as well as an entourage from Bhisho headed by premier Oscar Mabuyane attended the gala launch of the mall where champagne glasses were raised and the excitement was palpable.
Mabuyane hailed the development as a significant milestone for the province.
“The metro has one of the highest unemployment rates in the province and the opening of the Boardwalk Mall will be key in reversing this trend.
“We want to extend a word of gratitude to property developer Flanagan & Gerard and Emfuleni because what they have created is phenomenal,” he said.
“Their investment created 1,146 jobs during the construction phase and it is expected to create 1,500 permanent positions.
“That is a massive contribution to job creation in our province.”
Mabuyane said the mall was already having a multiplier effect and triggered the prospect of further facelift projects on the beachfront and in adjacent suburbs.
“This development will fit in the nexus of business, lifestyle and tourism which are critical elements for a value proposition of any city or region.
“It will be a hit with both domestic and international tourists.
“It will be a hive of activity during the upcoming holiday season as tourists enjoy convenience shopping that is a short walk from their accommodation.
“This development also ties in perfectly with our bold ambitions of creating a city that never sleeps which offers 24/7 shopping and entertainment for tourists.”
He said his government was committed to facilitating the growth of tourism and business.
“We are intentional in our efforts to support and promote infrastructure development and remove hindrances that might affect the growth of the tourism sector.”
Mabuyane said the mall development had seen the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers and this in itself would boost the local economy.
Provincial finance, economic development, environmental affairs and tourism MEC Mlungisi Mvoko highlighted the speedy 15 months the project had taken from sod-turning to completion.
“It has finished on time and on budget, which is wonderful. That is what should happen in government.”
The five-star Boardwalk Mall project was driven by Johannesburg property developer Flanagan & Gerard but it has a strong Nelson Mandela Bay influence, with former top cricketer and Grey High School pupil Solo Nqweni appointed as general manager, artwork by Bay painter and sculptor Duncan Stewart, and stores like Legends Barbershop.
The development includes 94 tenants from Pick n Pay, Checkers and Woolworths to Friesland Milk Bar, Urban Roti and MaXhosa as well as the 2,400m² Sun Park which features a fountain and a 60m² screen for outdoor events.
Beaming Emfuleni Resorts chair Bongi Siwisa said the opening was a magical moment.
“It’s not just about buildings, it’s about joy and convenience.”
Flanagan & Gerard managing director Paul Gerard said he understood the initial local scepticism about “an outsider” coming in to drive the project and he was proud that they had delivered.
“This is a world-class project where you can access quality stores to get your basics, and mommies can meet while their kids have a milkshake or a haircut.
“It’s about the people of Gqeberha.”