Major new shopping mall opens in South Africa’s latest semigration hotspot
Garden Walk, a new 20,000 sqm shopping centre, has opened its doors in the popular coastal town of Hartenbos, Mossel Bay.
The new mall aims to serve the growing Mossel Bay region and the broader Garden Route. The mall was developed by the Moolman Group in partnership with Dorpstraat and Organic Coral Developments.
Hartenbos is a popular coastal town on the Garden Route, and roughly 45 kilometres from George. It forms part of the broader Mossel Bay area.
Hartenbos is a popular holiday town that attracts large numbers of visitors during peak seasons, and is especially known for the ATKV Hartenbos Resort.
The area also supports a growing permanent residential community, which is served by a range of local amenities, including schools, sports clubs, and churches.
The Seeff Property Group previously said that towns along the Garden Route, such as Mossel Bay, are emerging as top semigration destinations for high-net-worth buyers.
Garden Walk is located in the Hartenbos North area, with the centre providing convenient retail and services for both local residents and seasonal visitors to the region.
The centre is next to the N2 at the Hartenbos/Mossel Bay offramp, which will ensure easy access for residents, visitors, and travellers.
The single-level centre opened with 51 stores trading at launch, anchored by a 3,500 sqm Checkers FreshX together with Food Lover’s Market and Dis-Chem.
Other national brands include Outdoor Warehouse, Agrimark, Clicks, PNA, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Mr Price Home, Pencil & Oak, Volpes and PEP Home, alongside a range of specialist stores and service outlets.
Dining options include a Spur, Doppio Zero, Mugg & Bean and Seattle Coffee Company.
Several local establishments, such as Elvis Brew, Krust Café, Craft Biltong, Indoblu, Waterplaas and KOALA, also add to the tenant mix.
“Our focus has always been on developing centres that respond to the everyday needs of the communities they serve,” said Pieter Lombaard, CEO of Moolman Group.
“Garden Walk fits our ethos of creating a well-located retail environment that provides essential services while also contributing to the social life of a growing coastal community.”
The centre was designed to feel connected to its coastal community, which includes its architecture, the landscaped public areas and curated art installations.
“Developments of this scale are the result of close cooperation between many partners, from the professional team and contractors to local authorities and the community itself,” added Jannie Kruger, director at Dorpstraat.
Economic benefits
Garden Walk has already made a significant contribution to the local economy during the construction phase, and local procurement will continue to do so through employment opportunities within the centre.
During construction, about 60% of the workforce was drawn from the local community, with an estimated R32 million spent locally during the building phase.
The Executive Mayor of the Mossel Bay Local Municipality, Dirk Kotze, welcomed the development as an important investment in the region.
“Developments such as Garden Walk play an important role in strengthening the local economy while improving the quality of life for residents,” said Kotze.
“This centre brings new retail opportunities, job creation and a vibrant gathering place for the community while supporting the continued growth of the Mossel Bay region.”
Due to its strategic location, diverse tenant mix and strong connection to the surrounding community, Moolman believes the centre will serve residents and visitors to Hartenbos for years to come.
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