Emfuleni Resorts has outlined a proposal to develop a retail mall, a multipurpose events venue, movie theatres, a bowling alley and corporate offices on underutilised land in the Boardwalk precinct in Port Elizabeth.

The R1.3-billion mixed-use centre, to be developed by Emfuleni together with partners Parktown Capital and Sun International, will be set on a 13.3 ha site within the Boardwalk precinct. The developers envision the Boardwalk precinct to be a mixed-use lifestyle node, situated next to the natural landmark of Hobie Beach and with the needs of Port Elizabeth’s residents and visitors in mind.

“An investment of this size – the largest ever in tourism and hospitality in Port Elizabeth – amply demonstrates our belief and confidence in the long-term potential of the metro and the province,” said Emfuleni Resorts chairperson Bongi Siwisa.

Up to 8 500 new jobs are expected to be created during the two years of construction, with another 1 500 jobs created during operations, according to a media statement from Sun International.

Parktown Capital is leading the development and tenanting, with Sun International ensuring that the mix and design complement its existing business. Emfuleni will contribute its land in return for an equity stake.

Emfuleni is applying to the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board to amend its casino licence for an additional 20 years beyond its current expiry date of October 2025 in return for the investment. Sun International and Emfuleni invested over R500-million in 2000 to build the Boardwalk and a further R1-billion to extend its licence thereafter.

The 35 000 m2 mall will be arranged around a revised water feature and the new Sun Park that will support and host special events and entertainment. The multipurpose venue will offer 2 570 m2 of space. The development will also offer a laser tag facility and bowling alley, a range of movie theatres, 4 000 m2 of corporate offices and 3 000 parking bays.

“The Boardwalk Consortium believes this development fulfills all the requirements for a considered, well-planned addition to this critical node and that, from the day it opens, it will become a popular regional destination attraction for Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Siwisa.

The Boardwalk Consortium expects to offer what it believes is a more effective and relevant entertainment icon for the city in the form of the new Sun Park. The Sun Park will occupy an area of about half a rugby field.

It is designed as a community-centered entertainment zone to stage and host a range of activities from concerts to sports events, open-air cinema, wine tastings and corporate launches. The venue will also be a stop on Sun International’s national concert/show circuit.