The Garden Route’s retail landscape saw a significant expansion on 26 March 2026 with the official opening of Garden Walk, a 20,000sqm coastal-inspired lifestyle centre. Developed by Moolman Group in partnership with Dorpstraat and Organic Coral Developments, the centre was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by municipal representatives, project partners, and the local community. The festive atmosphere was highlighted by performances from the Laerskool Hartenbos and Hoërskool Punt choirs.
A Strategic Hub for the Mossel Bay Region
Located in the Hartenbos North area, Garden Walk is positioned to serve the growing permanent residential population and the high volume of seasonal tourists drawn to the ATKV Hartenbos Resort—the largest self-catering holiday resort on the coastline. Hartenbos forms a vital part of the broader Mossel Bay region, which includes Glentana and the Groot and Klein Brak River areas. Situated directly next to the N2 at the Hartenbos / Mossel Bay offramp, the single-level centre provides easy access for residents and travelers moving through this key regional service hub.
National Giants and Local Favorites
At launch, the centre features 51 stores and 502 parking bays. The retail offering is anchored by a 3,500sqm Checkers FreshX, alongside Food Lover’s Market and Dis-Chem. This variety ensures that Garden Walk functions as a critical retail destination for the entire Mossel Bay area.
The tenant mix balances major national brands with distinct local businesses:
- Retail & Lifestyle: Outdoor Warehouse, Agrimark, Clicks, PNA, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Mr Price Home, Pencil & Oak, and Volpes.
- Dining & Coffee: Spur, Doppio Zero, Mugg & Bean, and Seattle Coffee Company.
- Local Highlights: Elvis Brew, Krust Café, Craft Biltong, Indoblu, Waterplaas, and KOALA contribute a distinctly local flavour to the centre’s diverse tenant mix.
Designed to Reflect the Coastal Landscape
The architecture of Garden Walk draws direct inspiration from the maritime heritage and natural terrain of the Mossel Bay area. The design incorporates curved forms mimicking sand dunes and materials such as timber, steel, and brick to echo the shapes of nearby ocean horizons.
Beyond shopping, the centre focuses on community integration through:
- The Central Piazza: A natural gathering space featuring outdoor seating and restaurant terraces.
- Art Installations: Murals and artworks inspired by indigenous fauna and flora connect the space to the cultural identity of the Garden Route.
- Workspace: A communal workspace with free Wi-Fi for professionals, students, and holiday visitors.
- Family Amenities: Dedicated children’s play areas and landscaped walkways create a relaxed setting for families to move comfortably between spaces.
Economic Impact and Regional Growth
The development has already proven to be a significant economic driver for the Mossel Bay region. During the construction phase, approximately 60% of the workforce was sourced from the local community, with an estimated R32 million spent on local procurement.
Executive Mayor of the Mossel Bay Local Municipality, Alderman Dirk Kotze, welcomed the development as an important investment that strengthens the local economy while improving the quality of life for residents. Pieter Lombaard, CEO of Moolman Group, emphasized that the project responds to the everyday needs of the communities it serves.
Hermann Stassen, Head of Developments at Moolman Group, added that the vision was to create a space true to the character of the Garden Route, ensuring Garden Walk serves as a vibrant gathering place for many years to come.
