Hartenbos is preparing for a major retail addition, with Garden Walk Shopping Centre scheduled to open its doors on 26 March this year, marking another sign of the area’s steady growth and changing demographic landscape.
The 20,000sqm centre, located in the northern part of Hartenbos, is being developed by Moolman Group, in partnership with Organic Coral Investments and Dorpstraat, according to BusinessTech.
With visibility from the N2 and easy access via the R102 and Monte Christo Road, the mall is positioned to serve both local residents and passing traffic along the Garden Route.
Set within the Mossel Bay local municipality, Garden Walk is surrounded by established neighbourhoods including Outeniquabosch, Monte Christo, Hartland and Hartenbos Landgoed.
Developers describe the centre as a modern retail hub designed to meet everyday needs while offering spaces that encourage longer, family-friendly visits.
The arrival of Garden Walk comes as the Garden Route experiences a noticeable rise in semigration, particularly among high-net-worth buyers seeking alternatives to big-city living.
Recent data from Seeff Property shows towns such as George, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay emerging as top destinations for buyers relocating from major metropolitan areas. This shift has placed upward pressure on property prices while reshaping the region’s housing demand.
According to Pieter Jordaan, licensee for Seeff George, buyers are attracted by the area’s relaxed pace, limited congestion and what he describes as a clean, well-managed environment.
Access to good schools, hospitals, shopping centres and a regional airport continues to support the area’s appeal for families and professionals alike.
Mossel Bay’s property market has also shown resilience, supported by lifestyle buyers, retirees and tourism-driven demand.
Herman Spies, sales manager for Seeff Mossel Bay, said investment in the area has delivered strong returns, placing the town among the top-performing markets over the past five years.
He noted that total property transactions for the 12 months to the end of November 2025 reached R2.4 billion, well above pre-pandemic levels.
The broader Mossel Bay region, including Groot Brak, Klein Brak, Dana Bay and Hartenbos, continues to attract both holidaymakers and permanent residents.
Average home prices currently sit at around R2.3 million, with most properties trading between R1.5 million and R4 million.
Luxury estates such as Pinnacle Point remain at the upper end of the market, with prices typically ranging from R5 million to R10 million and higher.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Coastal erosion threatens Garden Route homes and local infrastructure
Picture: Garden Walk Mall/Facebook
