New Extension Plans of Boardwalk Casino with New Mall

Emfuleni Resorts, a Sun International subsidiary, announced this walk that it plans to begin the construction of new shopping center in Port Elizabeth. The project is an extension of the casino group’s Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.

It’s expected that the first phase of the mall will be completed by the end of 2021. The second phase, which will essentially mark the official opening of the mall, is scheduled for September next year.

Some economists have raised eyebrows at the timing of Sun International’s announcement, considering that South Africa is still reeling from the impact of lockdowns. COVID-19 changed the shopping habits of many people, and the population is shopping more and more online.

However, Sun International said that the mall will not only upgrade the Boardwalk complex, but will also benefit the city of Port Elizabeth, since nearly R300 million of all goods and services will be procured locally.

The mall will boast some 23,000 square meters of retail space. It will have a dual purpose – to meet the daily retail needs of locals, and also as a tourist attraction because of its proximity to the casino.

The mall will include some of South Africa’s most popular retail brands, including Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Ackermans, Clicks and Woolworths.

According to Paul Gerard, the MD of Flanagan and Gerard Group, which partnered with Emfuleni Resorts to build the mall:

“During this extraordinary time in history, it has become clear that people need convenient retail and enjoyable experiences in safe environments within their communities, close to where they live, work, commute and learn.”

About Boardwalk Casino

The Boardwalk Casino is the only licensed casino in Port Elizabeth. The location is popular for its Premier Luxury Hotel, and also for being a unique entertainment, dining and conference venue.

The casino offers literally hundreds of slot machines in smoking and no-smoking venues. It also offers an exciting variety of table games such as American Roulette, Blackjack Switch, Poker, Baccarat and Classic Blackjack.