A new retail hub has officially opened in Hartenbos, adding fresh commercial energy to one of the Garden Route’s fastest-growing coastal regions and reflecting broader shifts in how South Africans are living, working and relocating along the coast.
The 20,000sqm Garden Walk shopping centre has opened its doors near Mossel Bay, introducing a mix of national retailers, local businesses and dining options aimed at serving both permanent residents and the seasonal influx of holidaymakers that define the area’s rhythm throughout the year, as reported by BusinessTech.
The development, brought to life through a partnership between the Moolman Group, Dorpstraat and Organic Coral Developments, arrives at a time when the Garden Route continues to attract new residents seeking coastal lifestyles outside major metros.
Insights from BusinessTech suggest that semigration trends are on the rise, with places like Mossel Bay attracting more high–net–worth individuals and families who are moving for a better lifestyle and the chance to work remotely.
Situated in Hartenbos North next to the N2 at the Hartenbos/Mossel Bay offramp, the centre was strategically placed to capture passing travellers while remaining easily accessible to nearby communities.
At launch, the single-level mall opened with 51 stores trading, anchored by a 3,500sqm Checkers FreshX alongside Food Lover’s Market and Dis-Chem.
Well-known national retailers, including Outdoor Warehouse, Agrimark, Clicks, PNA, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Mr Price Home, Pencil & Oak, Volpes and PEP Home, form the backbone of the retail offering.
Dining spaces range from familiar restaurant brands such as Spur, Doppio Zero, Mugg & Bean and Seattle Coffee Company to smaller local establishments that reflect the character of the surrounding community.
Businesses like Elvis Brew, Krust Café, Craft Biltong, Indoblu, Waterplaas and KOALA add a distinctly local presence, blending regional entrepreneurship with national retail convenience.
Developers emphasised that the project was shaped around everyday usability rather than destination retail alone.
‘Our focus has always been on developing centres that respond to the everyday needs of the communities they serve,’ said Pieter Lombaard, who is the CEO of Moolman Group.
He added that Garden Walk reflects the company’s goal of creating accessible retail environments that also contribute to community life.
Jannie Kruger, director at Dorpstraat, noted that projects of this scale depend on collaboration across sectors, saying developments like these are achieved through cooperation between professional teams, contractors, local authorities and residents.
Beyond retail expansion, the project has delivered measurable economic activity during construction and is expected to continue generating employment opportunities as tenants establish operations.
Approximately 60% of the construction workforce was sourced locally, with an estimated R32 million spent within the regional economy during the building phase.
Mossel Bay Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dirk Kotze welcomed the investment, describing developments like Garden Walk as catalysts for economic resilience.
‘Developments such as Garden Walk play an important role in strengthening the local economy while improving the quality of life for residents,’ he said, adding that the centre introduces new retail options while supporting long-term regional growth.
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Picture: Garden Walk Mall /Facebook
