Popular 38-year-old coastal shopping mall in South Africa getting a R75 million upgrade
Growthpoint Properties is undergoing a R75 million redevelopment at its Walmer Park Shopping Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
The redevelopment focuses on the massive Edgars premises in the store. Growthpoint said that the investment will reinforce the mall’s position as the city’s leading retail destination.
It noted that the redevelopment will introduce a new internal link mall and expand the variety of retail offerings.
It said that the project aligns with its broader retail strategy to increase exposure to assets and regions positioned for sustainable long‑term growth.
The redevelopment focuses on optimising the retail mix, improving circulation and unlocking value from the existing space.
“Walmer Park is a well‑established, dominant regional centre with consistently low vacancies and strong tenant demand,” said Gavin Jones, Head of Retail Asset Management at Growthpoint Properties.
“With vacancies at approximately 1.5%, this redevelopment offers a rare opportunity for new tenants to enter an otherwise fully let centre.”
The centre is situated in the heart of the wealthy Walmer, with Growthpoint stating that it is recognised for its high‑quality retail and customer experience.
The redevelopment will mark the centre’s eighth upgrade in 38 years, having opened its doors in 1988.
A main component of the redevelopment is the reconfiguration of the existing 4,680 sqm Edgars store into a refined 1,982 sqm format, supported by a refreshed tenant mix.
Growthpoint said that the introduction of a new link mall will accommodate close to 10 additional stores, bringing the total to 170 retailers, and will be supported by free customer Wi-Fi.
“Shoppers can expect an enhanced range of fashion, homeware and national brands,” added Jones.
The link mall has been designed to improve internal flow and will provide visual continuity with the centre’s current modern aesthetic.
The project includes upgraded energy‑efficient lighting, which integrates Walmer Park’s rooftop solar installation and existing standby generation system.
Construction on the upgrade will commence in March this year and should be completed by November 2026, ahead of the festive trading period.
“Selective redevelopment of strong, established assets is central to our strategy,” Jones added.
“By restructuring retail space, introducing sought‑after brands and elevating the customer experience, we ensure our centres remain relevant while delivering sustainable long‑term value.”
Across its retail portfolio, the JSE-listed REIT is prioritising capital towards dominant centres with strong trading metrics and proven reinvestment potential.
The Walmer Park upgrade follows the R270 million expansion and upgrade of Paarl Mall in the Western Cape.
Walmer Park Images and Renderings
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