GARDEN WALK OPENS IN HARTENBOS
A new retail destination has opened in Hartenbos with the launch of Garden Walk, a 20,000m 2 coastal-inspired retail and lifestyle centre designed to serve the growing Mossel Bay region and the broader Garden Route.
Developed by Moolman Group in partnership with Dorpstraat and Organic Coral Developments, the centre welcomed its first shoppers on 26 March 2026. The single-level centre opened with 51 stores trading at launch, anchored by a 3,500m 2 Checkers FreshX together with Food Lover’ s Market and Dis-Chem, and providing 502 parking bays for shoppers.
The design of Garden Walk draws inspiration from the local terrain, with architectural elements that evoke the surrounding coastal landscape and maritime heritage of the Mossel Bay area. Natural textures, warm earthy tones and gently curved forms echo the shapes of nearby dunes and ocean horizons, while materials such as steel, timber and brick speak to the maritime character of the region.
The thoughtful planning creates a welcoming and easyto-navigate shopping environment, with spacious walkways, intuitive pedestrian flow and a central piazza that acts as a natural gathering space within the centre.
Outdoor seating areas, free-standing restaurant terraces and a dedicated children’ s play area combine with beautifully landscaped areas throughout the centre to create a relaxed setting where visitors can move comfortably between stores, restaurants and outdoor spaces.
Art forms an important part of the character and atmosphere at Garden Walk, with a number of artistic installations incorporated
throughout the centre. Inspired by the surrounding landscapes, indigenous fauna and flora, and the nearby ocean, murals and artworks by professional artists help connect the space to the natural beauty and cultural identity of the Garden Route.
At the heart of the centre is a communal workspace with free Wi-Fi, providing a convenient place where students, professionals, local residents and holiday visitors can meet, work or take a break during the day.
Together, these elements contribute to Garden Walk’ s identity as more than simply a retail destination, creating a space where community, creativity and everyday life come together.
Stopping Fires At The Design Phase
News Watch 11