Baywest Mall is starting 2026 with a major revamp and new tenants. This follows a strong festive season that saw foot traffic grow by 6% year-on-year.
The Baywest Mall revamp will finish in the first half of the year. It includes refreshed entrances and updated lighting throughout. Yet the biggest changes focus on communal areas—especially the food court and central court.
“We’re adding hot desks and pause areas so shoppers can use our free Wi-Fi,” said Lindsay Davies, the mall’s marketing manager. “All common areas will improve, but we’re most excited about the redesigned central and food courts.” She noted the new modular layout and comfortable seating will make these spaces more welcoming.
Several new stores have already opened. These include Milky Lane at Nitro Park, Standard Beauty, Clothing Junction, Mr Curtain, Cash Crusaders, Stylish Steppers, Burger King, and Indalo Spa. Meanwhile, existing tenants like Checkers Liquor and Gravity Playpark have expanded.
The arrival of a Department of Home Affairs branch has also lifted weekday foot traffic by 6%. This trend should grow further when TP Communications moves in during May. The company will bring around 800 staff members to the mall daily.
Marc Edwards, joint CEO of Hangar 18—the mall’s owner—said Baywest has long been Nelson Mandela Bay’s top entertainment destination. He cited anchors like Ster-Kinekor and Gravity Play Park. Over the past 18 months, the mall added Algoa Grand Prix, Centrestage@Baywest, and Nitro Park’s VR expansion.
He stressed that the current Baywest Mall revamp builds on this progress. It also reflects recent leasing wins and a vision to make the center a place for shopping, dining, playing, working, and relaxing.
“We remain committed to investing in both the mall and our community,” Edwards added. “This revamp is just one of several positive initiatives planned for the coming months and years.”
