Gqeberha’s western suburbs are gaining another retail destination as The Village on Circular nears completion, bringing Checkers FreshX, MediRite Pharmacy and a new lineup of restaurants to Fairview. The development adds to the retail investment reshaping one of South Africa’s major coastal cities.

The project arrives as established shopping centres compete to attract consumers through new stores, upgraded retail space and more convenient shopping experiences. The Village on Circular is positioning itself around everyday essentials, pharmacy services, dining and additional retail offerings in one location.

Competition is also intensifying nearby, with Growthpoint Properties upgrading Walmer Park Shopping Centre less than three kilometres away.

Its expansion, which includes new retailers and the Eastern Cape’s first Yuppiechef store, highlights how established and emerging retail destinations are targeting shoppers in Gqeberha’s growing western commercial corridor.

Checkers FreshX anchors new retail development

Located at 97 Wessel Swart Drive, near Circular Drive in Fairview, The Village on Circular is being developed by Western Gruppe Properties, with Alpha Omega Construction, Axiom ARC and other engineering and construction firms involved.

Checkers FreshX and MediRite Pharmacy are among the development’s flagship tenants. Checkers FreshX is the premium store format launched in 2021 to compete with high-end grocery retailers, offering features such as artisanal bakeries, gourmet meat and fish markets, wine cellars and sushi bars. Some locations also house outlets including Starbucks, Kauai and Krispy Kreme.

The announced tenant lineup also includes Wimpy, PRÍMA Burger, Platō, Steers, Bossa and PostNet, combining food, convenience and service businesses. PRÍMA Burger specialises in burgers made with veld-reared beef, handmade brioche and house-made sauces, alongside tallow wedges.

Bossa will bring its menu of burgers, pizzas, steaks, ribs and cocktails to the centre, marking the restaurant brand’s first opening in Gqeberha.

The development has entered its final stages, with the centre saying finishing touches are underway. An official opening date has not been announced, and further tenant announcements are expected.

Walmer Park raises the competition

The new development will enter a market where established retail destinations are investing to retain shoppers and attract new brands.

Walmer Park Shopping Centre, owned and operated by JSE-listed real estate investment trust Growthpoint Properties, covers approximately 43,000 square metres and houses around 120 stores. Its ongoing expansion and refurbishment programme is introducing additional retail space and new outlets.

The first phase began in March 2026, with Burnt Studios and Old School opening in July. Bootlegger Coffee, FARO, and Slops and Clogs have also opened since early August, adding to the centre’s retail and dining offering.

The final phase is expected to be completed in November 2026, ahead of the festive shopping season. It will introduce Yuppiechef, marking the brand’s first store in the Eastern Cape, alongside international beauty brand ARC, a redesigned iStore and other retailers with upgraded premises.

Western Gqeberha attracts more retail investment

The two developments reflect growing investment in retail facilities serving Gqeberha’s western suburbs, where residential construction and expanding business activity are increasing demand for nearby shopping and services.

For The Village on Circular, the mix of a premium supermarket, pharmacy and established restaurant brands provides an entry point into a market where consumers already have established shopping destinations. Walmer Park, meanwhile, is using its expansion to refresh its tenant mix and strengthen its appeal.

Neither project has disclosed an overall development or expansion cost in the information available, making tenant selection, opening dates and the delivery of new retail space the clearest indicators of how the competing centres are positioning themselves.