Baywest Mall

In an effort to improve public transport services and enhance accessibility to Baywest Mall, the Nelson Mandela Bay shopping centre officially opened its taxi rank this week.

The Baywest Mall taxi rank, situated outside Entrance 2 on the Lower Ground parking level of this iconic mall, will serve an initial 13 routes to and from different parts of the city.

Baywest Mall Marketing Manager Lindsay Davies said the new routes and taxi rank will enhance accessibility, making it easier for everyone to visit the mall and take advantage of the multitude of shopping, entertainment and employment opportunities it offers.

“Public transport is a key focus area for Baywest Mall to improve access to the mall, its secondary catchment area and for the general development of the city’s Western suburbs. In addition to the taxi routes, Algoa bus also travels to Baywest Mall and Ubers make use of Entrance 4 for pick-ups and drop-offs,” said Davies.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) endorsed the new rank with representatives from SANTACO and SANTACO Western Suburbs attending the official Baywest Mall taxi rank opening on Tuesday [August 6].

“We are very excited to be part of the growth of Baywest Mall. In the past we had an effective operational taxi rank at the mall, but in 2020 our operations were reduced, and our rank was not functioning optimally. At the beginning of 2024 we took a decision to revive our operations and from our first meeting with the current management of Baywest Mall we received a warm reception and willingness to support our vision of bringing our clients from across Nelson Mandela Bay to the mall. We, the Nelson Mandela Regional taxi council, thank Baywest management for renovating and upgrading the facilities at the taxi rank,” said Thabiso Gcuze, Chairman of Nelson Mandela Bay regional taxi council.

Racing track opening soon at family-friendly mall

Earlier this year it was announced that Baywest Mall and Hemingways Mall in Buffalo City were under new management after being purchased by Hangar 18 Investments.

“Since taking over Baywest Mall in January 2024, Hangar 18 has been actively developing tenant networks, leasing new spaces and considering strategic ways to fast-track the mall’s appeal to the greater community. Our focus is on creating a family-friendly environment with entertainment options for both children and adults, aiming to expand the mall’s service offerings,” said Davies.

Next month [September] the eagerly awaited opening of a 3 000 sqm entertainment area, Algoa Grand Prix, will further enhance Baywest Mall’s entertainment offering, making it a one-stop family entertainment hub for residents and visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay.

Algoa Grand Prix will be located on the Upper Ground level with access from the Entrance 2 parking area. Adrenaline junkies will be able to race in either the 16 adult or 10 junior go-karts, or share the fun in 3 double go-karts, along the exciting 220m go-kart track.

Algoa Grand Prix will also offer 16-hole putt-putt, Virtual Reality Formula 1 and an indoor two-lane paintball shooting range (a first for the Bay). It promises to be a great venue for birthday parties, team building, and year-end fun.

 The new taxi routes include New Brighton, Njoli, Veeplaas, Kwamagxaki, Kwa-Dwesi, Seyisi, Salamntu, Soweto, Motherwell, Wells Estate, Kamvelihle, Missionvale and Govan Mbeki, Booysen Park, Nkandla, Westville, Korsten and Town. Should there be any areas not listed, the local community is encouraged to request these areas be added to the taxi routes by contacting info@baywestmall.co.za or 041 492 0326.

Two of the Eastern Cape’s largest shopping centres – Baywest Mall in Nelson Mandela Bay and Hemingways Mall in Buffalo City have changed hands.

The iconic super-regional malls, which have been in business rescue since 2022, were sold to South African property company, Hangar 18, for R1.3-billion each in September 2023 and have now transferred to their new owners.

“We are very excited with the acquisition of Baywest and Hemingways, and have enjoyed our interactions with our centre management teams, tenants and shoppers. First and foremost, we, as a business, look to form close working relationships with our tenants,” said Hangar 18 Co-Founder and joint CEO Marc Edwards.

The acquisition of the malls along with Hangar 18’s acquisition (also out of business rescue) of the Gauteng based malls Forest Hill City, Bloed Street Mall and Sunny Park Shopping Centre saved more than 50 jobs, as well as hundreds more indirect jobs of the tenants and service providers who work at the malls.

The 90,000 square metre Baywest Mall opened its doors in May 2015 and the 74,000 square metre Hemingways Mall opened in 2009. Both are firm favourites for shoppers living in and visiting the two metros of the Eastern Cape.

“We are excited to take ownership of these landmark properties and look forward to bringing fresh new energy and ideas which we hope will translate in an enhanced customer experience. We have clear plans for each of the Malls and look forward to rolling out our strategy with our shoppers, tenants, and staff. We are encouraged by the development of the residential node surrounding Baywest and believe that this will continue, bringing more shoppers to the mall.

Hemingways is well established in its community, and we plan to enhance its look and feel over time,” said Edwards.

The new owners have a long history in the property industry in both listed and unlisted properties in South Africa and abroad.

“We have excellent relationships with banks, capital providers, national tenants and listed real estate investment trusts. We will be using this network of contacts and the company’s expertise to manage the properties in a very hands-on way,” said Edwards.

Hangar 18’s shareholders include the Ubuntu Football Trust and Jade Capital Partners. The beneficiaries of the Ubuntu Football Trust are South African youth in their not-for-profit football academy.

“The team at Hangar 18, with the support of centre management staff, intend being actively involved in the local community, including forming close relationships with local schools where the malls will become an integral part of the surrounding communities,” said Edwards.

He stressed that the focus for now will be on “doing the basics right” and offering a shopping experience deserving of the local and visiting shopper at both Hemingways Mall and Baywest Mall.