Transformed GrandWest Mall: Daring New Retail Hub
GrandWest Mall Expansion to Transform Cape Town's Entertainment Landscape
GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, a beloved leisure destination in Cape Town, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a new retail mall. The project, valued at around R600 million, is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is anticipated to open its doors in March 2027.
Led by Flanagan & Gerard in joint venture with Sun International, the expansion aims to create a retail centre that caters to both the local community's everyday shopping needs and regional entertainment customers. The vision includes a carefully designed tenant mix informed by demographic and behavioural research to boost footfall, customer dwell time, and spending.
The development will bring a new wing of retail space and an improved shopping experience, echoing the recent success of similar Sun International developments like the Mall at Boardwalk in Gqeberha. The project timeline and phased approach indicate initial store openings toward the end of 2025, with ongoing additions into early 2026 and full completion in early 2027.
The expansion is expected to contribute positively to the local economy by enhancing retail options, creating jobs during construction and operation, and stimulating local economic activity in Cape Town. This large-scale investment and the new employment opportunities are part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and invigorate the retail sector in the region.
Local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) stand to benefit from both construction and fit-out phases, as well as long-term operational opportunities. The GrandWest team is also open to exploring expanded hospitality offerings and new entertainment zones in future development phases.
With a more balanced income stream from events, conferencing, dining, and now retail, GrandWest is fortifying its position for the next decade. This strategic pivot is designed to unlock new commercial value, enhance guest experience, and anchor GrandWest more firmly in the lives of Capetonians.
The synergies between conferencing, entertainment, and retail are ripe for unlocking, and GrandWest's integrated model is well-positioned to capitalise. The addition of the mall will make GrandWest a go-to venue for a variety of events and activities.
In summary, the GrandWest Mall expansion positions GrandWest as a key retail and entertainment hub within Cape Town, building on proven development models from comparable projects. The project is set to commence in September 2025, with an anticipated opening date in March 2027.
- The expansion of GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World will involve constructing a new retail mall, worth around R600 million, aimed at catering to both local shopping needs and regional entertainment customers.
- The development, led by Flanagan & Gerard in joint venture with Sun International, envisions a carefully chosen tenant mix to boost footfall, customer dwell time, and spending.
- This expansion is expected to contribute positively to the local economy by enhancing retail options, creating jobs, and stimulating local economic activity in Cape Town.
- Local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) may benefit from both construction and operational phases, as well as potential expanded hospitality offerings and new entertainment zones in future development phases.
- With the strategic pivot to retail, GrandWest aims to fortify its position for the next decade by unlocking new commercial value, enhancing guest experience, and anchoring itself more deeply in the lives of Capetonians.
- The integrated model of conferencing, entertainment, dining, and now retail at GrandWest is well-positioned to capitalize on synergies between these industries, making it a go-to venue for a variety of events and activities.
