Sun International-backed GrandWest casino announces construction start for US$35.7m mall
South Africa’s new retail and leisure development to expand Cape Town casino resort’s integrated entertainment offering ahead of 2027 launch.
South Africa.- South Africa’s Sun International-backed GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, together with property developer Flanagan & Gerard, has announced plans to begin construction on the new R650m (US$35.7m) GrandWest Mall expansion in Cape Town.
The project, which forms part of a joint venture between Flanagan & Gerard Property Group and GrandWest, a subsidiary of Sun International, marks a major new phase for the broader Cape Town entertainment precinct.
In a statement issued on May 7, Chris Teague of Flanagan & Gerard said: “The completed transfer is a key milestone that unlocks the next phase of development, bringing the GrandWest Mall vision to life. We are excited to see the mall rise and take shape.”
According to the companies, the transfer concludes a comprehensive land subdivision and rezoning process, providing the legal and development certainty required for the 22,000m² convenience mall to commence construction in May 2026. The development is expected to open in June 2027.
GrandWest is among Sun International’s leading casino operations and South Africa’s largest entertainment destinations. Sun International said the project forms part of its broader long-term strategy to strengthen GrandWest’s position as an integrated leisure and hospitality destination.
Nomzamo Radebe, Sun International chief operations officer: hospitality and sales, said: “Including bespoke community retail within the GrandWest precinct is strategically important. It strengthens our leisure and hospitality offering and supports our long-term vision of GrandWest as a world-class integrated precinct.”
Retail and entertainment expansion
The GrandWest Mall plans were first announced last year as part of a wider expansion strategy for the Cape Town precinct. The project has already secured strong leasing momentum ahead of construction, with more than 70 per cent of the gross lettable area leased and a further 20 per cent currently under offer.
The new single-level shopping centre will feature anchor tenants including Checkers FreshX and Halaal SuperSpar, alongside national retail brands such as Dis-Chem, Clicks, Pepkor, Truworths Group and Mr Price Group.
Mervyn Naidoo, general manager at GrandWest, said: “The GrandWest precinct is one of South Africa’s most visited entertainment destinations. The addition of GrandWest Mall will strengthen its family appeal and broaden its offering, creating a day-to-night destination where retail, leisure, dining and lifestyle converge.”
A key feature of the development is its direct integration with the existing GrandWest entertainment complex, including connections to the redeveloped children’s entertainment area featuring Magic Company and Ten Pin Bowling. The precinct will also expand its food and beverage offering through brands including Panarottis, Ocean Basket and RocoMamas, strengthening GrandWest’s family-focused entertainment proposition.
Once completed, GrandWest Mall will serve both local residents and visitors to the wider casino, conference and entertainment destination, reinforcing Cape Town’s position as a growing regional leisure and hospitality hub.
