Construction starts on $39 million GrandWest Mall project in South Africa

South Africa’s retail property sector is set for a major addition as construction begins on the R650 million ($39 million) GrandWest Mall in Cape Town, a development expected to strengthen one of the city’s busiest entertainment and commercial hubs. 

The project moved into its building phase after the transfer of land to a joint venture between Flanagan & Gerard Property Group and GrandWest, a unit of Sun International, clearing the final legal and planning steps needed to begin work. 

Set within the well-known GrandWest precinct, the 22,000-square-meter mall is being positioned as more than a shopping center.

Developers say it will combine everyday convenience retail with dining, leisure and family entertainment, creating a destination that serves both surrounding communities and visitors to the broader complex. 

The investment also reflects steady confidence in South Africa’s commercial property market, where developers are increasingly focusing on mixed-use spaces that bring shopping, food and entertainment together in one location. 

Retailers have already shown strong interest.

More than 70% of the mall’s gross lettable area has been secured, with an additional 20% currently under offer, signaling healthy demand well before completion.

Strong retailer interest ahead of opening 

The single-level mall will be anchored by a 3,000-square-meter Checkers FreshX and a 2,500-square-meter Halaal SuperSpar, giving the center two major grocery brands expected to drive regular foot traffic. 

National retailers have also committed space, including Dis-Chem and Clicks, alongside fashion brands from Mr Price Group, Truworths Group and Pepkor, creating a broad mix of shopping options aimed at everyday consumers.

Blending shopping with entertainment 

Food outlets will play an important role in connecting the mall to the wider GrandWest precinct.

Brands such as Panarottis, Ocean Basket and RocoMamas are expected to create a natural link between retail space and existing entertainment facilities, including the casino and family attractions. 

GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo said the project will expand the precinct’s appeal by offering visitors more reasons to spend time at the destination, whether for shopping, dining or leisure.

Part of a wider long-term plan 

For Sun International, the mall is a key part of its broader vision for GrandWest.

The company sees the development as an extension of a precinct that already draws visitors for hospitality, conferences and entertainment. 

Once completed in June 2027, GrandWest Mall is expected to become an important retail anchor in Cape Town, serving local households while strengthening GrandWest’s place as one of South Africa’s leading mixed-use destinations.