Retailers flock to the launch of new niche community shopping centre being developed by Flanagan & Gerard and Sun International at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, Cape Town.
Flanagan & Gerard Group, in partnership with Sun International, hosted the landmark leasing launch of GrandWest Mall yesterday (19 June 2025), drawing interest from more than 100 leading national, regional and local retailers. The enthusiastic turnout reflects strong interest in this bespoke 22,000sqm shopping centre that will form part of GrandWest and elevate convenience retail in the Western Cape.
Left to Right: Norman Basthdaw (Chief Financial Officer – Sun International), Elizabeth Sonnekus (Financial Manager – GrandWest), Khati Mokhobo (Director; Special Projects – Sun International) and Elsje Bodenstein; (Development Director – Flanagan & Gerard), Paul Gerard (Managing Director – Flanagan & Gerard) and Chris Teague (Commercial Director – Flanagan & Gerard).
With leasing now officially underway, GrandWest Mall will build on the reputation and range of experiences at the largest entertainment destination of its kind in South Africa, and Sun International’s most successful casino. Approximately R600 million will be invested in the new GrandWest Mall, which will be two-thirds owned by Flanagan & Gerard and one-third by Sun International.
Following the extremely successful redevelopment of the Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, Sun International are partnering with Flanagan & Gerard again, this time through GrandWest, to bring a bespoke community retail development to the precinct to enhance its leisure and hospitality assets.
Flanagan & Gerard and Sun International are developing a new single-level community shopping centre which will link into GrandWest’s redeveloped children’s entertainment area to enhance the overall family appeal.
GrandWest Mall will further enhance the shopping and entertainment for the Western Cape’s local communities and regional visitors. Featuring two grocers, two pharmacies and an array of specialist food retail, the mall will cater to everyday essentials and culinary cravings. Fashion, health, beauty and athleisure retail will offer trendy options for all, while books, stationery, home décor and gifting stores will spark creativity and celebration. New eateries will enhance the popular range of family-friendly restaurants and coffee shops at GrandWest, adding more opportunities for socialising and enjoyment.
With comprehensive services and a vibrant mix of offerings, GrandWest Mall is poised to become the go-to destination for convenience in the area.
Sun International’s CEO, Anthony Leeming, says, “We believe that our investment in the GrandWest Mall will add enormous value to GrandWest and will become a vital asset for the broader Goodwood area. As the experience with our Boardwalk Mall in Gqeberha has proved, we have full confidence in our partner Flanagan & Gerard to deliver a world-class retail development that will enhance our GrandWest visitor experience.”
Flanagan & Gerard undertake extensive research before committing to a new development, and GrandWest Mall is no exception.
Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard, says, “Our demographic research shows there is a very real need to create a retail centre that answers the everyday shopping needs in this community. GrandWest Mall is being carefully designed to satisfy its immediate market and regional entertainment customer. We are thrilled to be working with Sun International again and to create the ultimate shopping experience at GrandWest.”
Not only will the retail mix be selected especially for locals’ needs, but getting to GrandWest Mall will be convenient for those living in the area, and commuters travelling to and from work will enjoy easy, direct access from the N7, N1 and N2 highways. Grandwest Mall will offer a range of convenient on-grade parking to ensure ease of access.
The development will include full backup power, protecting it against power disruptions. Resource efficiency is a key consideration for the developers and will include water-wise indigenous landscaping, waste recycling, water savings and energy efficiency by incorporating natural light into its design.
The GrandWest Mall project will also boost local employment and opportunities. A development of this scale creates about 2,500 jobs during construction and roughly 2,000 permanent posts. In keeping with the team’s commitment to economic development, local contractors and materials will be used wherever possible.
GrandWest is already the biggest entertainment destination in the city and one of Cape Town’s most prominent landmarks. It first opened in December 2000 and currently comprises of an 11,000sqm casino, a 5,400-seat multi-purpose indoor arena and entertainment facility, conference facilities, two hotels being the Grand Hotel and the City Lodge, and entertainment from a Cine Centre, Magic Company, Ten Pin Bowling, and Cape Town’s only ice rink, The Ice Station, as well as a variety of restaurants and eateries. GrandWest is the only licensed casino in the Cape Town Metropole.
Building on its strength, the Grand Hotel recently underwent a R125-million extension and upgrade.
The project saw an additional 64 rooms added to the boutique Grand Hotel. For over 21 years, the Grand Hotel has operated at a 99% occupancy with its original 39 rooms booked long in advance. The new hotel rooms bring the total to 103 rooms.
GrandWest attracts approximately 500,000 visitors monthly with its exceptional blend of world-class restaurants and thrilling entertainment options. From gourmet dining to family-friendly eateries, and vibrant live shows, the venue offers something for everyone. As a cornerstone of the Western Cape’s leisure scene, GrandWest continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
The development and addition of GrandWest Mall will amplify this appeal even further for locals.
GrandWest’s General Manager, Mervyn Naidoo, says, “GrandWest’s development was a catalyst for investment in this area, and over the years we have funded several projects that benefitted the community and the city, including a significant upgrade of Jakes Gerwel Drive. But the area has always lacked a retail centre. We run a 24/7 operation averaging over 16,000 visitors a day, so we have been regularly asked to add a retail element for the convenience of our surrounding communities. Now I am delighted that we can finally give them what they have long asked us for – the high-end GrandWest Mall shopping experience.”
