www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2023 15
Business
BOARDWALK MALL PRECINCT BRINGS A NEW EXPERIENCE TO GQEBERHA
By MDS Architecture
An aerial view of the Boardwalk Mall – several plant rooms are located around the waveshaped site .
Following its grand opening in September 2022 , the Boardwalk Mall precinct takes pride of place as a prominent landmark just a few metres from the blue flag awarded Hobie Beach in Gqeberha .
Designed by MDS Architecture , the first phase of Boardwalk
Mall opened in March 2022 with a variety of entertainment options and several tenants , who traded while the second phase was being completed .
According to Pierre Lahaye , MDS Architecture partner , Boardwalk Mall is an important part of the overall vision for the precinct , linking with the Sun International Boardwalk Casino and the Boardwalk Hotel .
The owners of the Boardwalk precinct are Sun International and Flanagan & Gerard - experienced leisure operators combined with developers with a proven track record in retail development and management .
Significant infrastructure and road upgrades formed part of the development and the Boardwalk has been a catalyst for upgrades elsewhere in the Summerstrand area . A residential development , for instance , is under construction . Its architecture is complementary to the Boardwalk precinct , and it has pedestrianised access to the area .
CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION “ Our design is cognizant of integrating into the existing architecture and creating a streetscape that has developed over time . There are several pedestrian access points to the building and to the rest of the new offerings which serve to integrate the precinct into the urban landscape . It is quite something to be able to step out onto the beautiful beachfront promenade directly from the shopping centre ,” says Lahaye .
The contemporary interpretation was achieved with elements like the shape of the roofs and an aesthetic of a refurbished dockside building . The mall is curved , evoking waves and encouraging further exploration beyond what is immediately visible to the eye .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2023 15