GrandWest Mall evolution: Bold new retail destination
By Adrian Ephraim
IN a city world-famous for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World has long stood as a landmark of leisure in Cape Town.
Now, as it prepares to launch a high-end retail mall within its sprawling complex, the Sun International flagship is signalling a bold new chapter – one that blends retail, hospitality, and entertainment into a single, future-forward destination.
Retail mall investment drives growth
R600-million will be invested in the new GrandWest Mall – two-thirds owned by Flanagan & Gerard and one-third by Sun International.
For Mervyn Naidoo, general manager of GrandWest, the development is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a strategic pivot designed to unlock new commercial value, enhance guest experience, and anchor GrandWest even more firmly in the lives of Capetonians.
“GrandWest is much more than just Cape Town’s only licensed casino. It is the largest entertainment and leisure destination of its kind in the country,” Naidoo explains.
“We attract around 500 000 visitors a month – locals meeting up with friends, families enjoying our restaurants and entertainment, and guests coming to see shows or attend events.”
Mixed-use precinct enhances guest experience
Yet one question kept surfacing from customers over the years: Why isn’t there a shopping mall? With no high-end retail destination nearby, GrandWest identified a gap – and an opportunity. Inspired by the success of the Mall at Boardwalk in Gqeberha, another Sun International property, the GrandWest team began planning a retail expansion that could complement their core offering while serving both visitors and surrounding communities.
“We already have the space, the foot traffic, and the parking. Adding a mall simply made sense,” Naidoo says.
Enhancing experience, expanding reach
The new mall is not expected to change the core DNA of GrandWest, but it will enhance it. With easy access to secure parking and the convenience of shopping within the precinct, guests will have more reasons to extend their stay.
“Imagine coming to a concert or conference, and being able to grab dinner and do some shopping afterwards, all in one place,” says Naidoo. “Even our own staff, many of whom work shifts, are looking forward to it. It’s about convenience, safety, and quality.”
From a business development perspective, the retail expansion also opens up new avenues for hosting events. GrandWest already boasts world-class facilities such as the Grand Arena (the largest indoor venue in the Western Cape), an Olympic-sized ice rink, cinemas, and conference spaces. The mall will become an additional asset that makes GrandWest a go-to venue for product launches, trade expos, and corporate activations.
“Retailers could even use the mini-ice rink to host children’s fashion shows,” Naidoo muses. “It’s this kind of creative thinking that sets us apart.”
Economic boost for Cape Town
The mall development also carries important implications for the local economy. True to its long-standing commitment to community upliftment, GrandWest plans to extend procurement and employment opportunities to nearby businesses and residents.
“Since our inception, we’ve worked closely with doorstep communities to make a real impact,” Naidoo affirms. “With the mall, that impact will only grow.”
Local SMMEs stand to benefit not just from construction and fit-out phases, but also from long-term operational opportunities – whether in retail, services, events, or support roles.
For a city grappling with youth unemployment and spatial inequality, developments like this represent more than just convenience – they’re a catalyst for inclusive growth.
A new business model for GrandWest
While GrandWest has always been a multifaceted venue, the addition of a mall signifies a strategic shift toward becoming a true multi-use commercial precinct. The synergies between conferencing, entertainment, and retail are ripe for unlocking, and GrandWest’s integrated model is well-positioned to capitalise.
“We are already seeing strong growth in conferences, exhibitions, and private functions,” Naidoo notes. “The mall will offer an extra layer of service and convenience for those guests. It’s about evolving with the times and needs of our customers.”
The diversification also supports long-term sustainability by reducing reliance on gaming revenue. With a more balanced income stream from events, conferencing, dining, and now retail, GrandWest is fortifying its position for the next decade.
Eyes on the future
Looking ahead, the GrandWest team isn’t ruling out further phases of development. With ample land and a well-established brand, the possibilities are numerous—from expanded hospitality offerings to new entertainment zones.
“We do have a large property, and this opens up many exciting options for us,” Naidoo says.
“The mall is just the beginning of a new chapter for GrandWest.”
As Cape Town continues to evolve into a world-class urban destination, developments like GrandWest’s new mall illustrate how legacy properties can reinvent themselves, bridging lifestyle, commerce, and culture under one roof.
