Construction begins on the R650 million GrandWest Mall in Cape Town

The exterior of the planned Grandwest Mall that will open by June next year.

A major injection of private sector investment has officially broken ground in Cape Town as construction begins on the new R650 million GrandWest Mall development.

This milestone single-level convenience shopping centre, which marked its formal commencement with a traditional sod-turning ceremony this week, represents a high-profile joint venture between the Flanagan & Gerard Property Group holding a 90% stake and Sun International subsidiary GrandWest retaining 10%.

This significant retail expansion is set to transform the existing GrandWest entertainment precinct into a highly connected lifestyle hub, with developers promising a seamless rollout that will not disrupt the normal daily operations of the site's popular casino, hotel and leisure facilities.

Commercial momentum for the 22 000 square metre development is already exceptionally strong, with more than 70% of the gross lettable area securely let and an additional 20% currently under offer. The mall will be anchored by two major premium grocery retailers, a 3000 square metre Checkers FreshX and a 2500 square metre SuperSpar, alongside major national brands including Dis-Chem, Clicks, Truworths, Pepkor and the Mr Price Group.

Paul Gerald MD of Flanagan & Gerald Group, Mayco member James Vos, Ulrik Bengtsson CEO of Sun International and Pierre Lahaye a partner from MDS Architecture at the sod turning event of the GrandWest mall that will be built at GrandWest casino.

James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Growth, said that the project reflects immense confidence in the local economy and its growth outlook.

"Developments like this highlight the role of private sector investment in driving growth, creating jobs and strengthening the retail and commercial economy,"  Vos said, adding that such investments motivate the city to keep improving conditions for economic growth.

Designed by retail specialist MDS Architecture, the building’s layout subverts traditional retail formats by following a gentle curve derived from the Fibonacci sequence, creating a fluid layout where no single sightline reaches the full length of the building to entice visitors into a journey of discovery.

Lead architect Pierre Lahaye explained that the team challenged themselves to combine elements that people associate with the Western Cape together with those found in the existing casino complex.

"The design embodies contemporary Cape Town experiences, drawing inspiration from nature and the region's renowned wineries to create a retail environment that speaks directly to the region's identity,"  Lahaye said. A dedicated dining interface zone adjoining the casino precinct will feature popular eateries such as Panarottis, Ocean Basket and RocoMamas opening onto external terraces with northward views toward Table Mountain.

For the operators of the precinct, the expansion is a vital step in keeping pace with consumer trends. Ulrik Bengtsson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sun International, emphasised that the investment is about keeping GrandWest relevant, vibrant and responsive to how people live, shop and spend their time today.

"It extends the GrandWest precinct, bringing retail, dining, entertainment and leisure together in a more connected and convenient way," Bengtsson said.

Crucially, the joint venture partners have made regional economic empowerment a core commitment of the construction phase, appointing the long-established local firm Isipani Construction as the main contractor following a competitive procurement process.

Throughout the build, strict preference will be given to Western Cape-based subcontractors, tradespeople and material suppliers to reinforce regional supply chains.

Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, expressed great pride in the collaborative nature of the project.

"Breaking ground on GrandWest Mall is a moment we have worked toward with great commitment and care," Gerard said.

"The quality of the team assembled — from our joint venture partner and contractor through to our architect and tenants — will deliver a development the Western Cape community will be proud of. We look forward to welcoming shoppers in June 2027."