Garden Walk Opens in Hartenbos as New Coastal Retail Hub

Garden Walk Opens in Hartenbos as New Coastal Retail Hub. Hartenbos has welcomed a new retail destination with the official opening of Garden Walk, a 20,000 square metre lifestyle centre designed to serve both the Mossel Bay region and the broader Garden Route. The centre opened its doors to the public on 26 March 2026 following a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by development partners, municipal leaders, tenants and members of the local community.

The launch was marked by a community celebration that featured performances by choirs from Laerskool Hartenbos and Hoërskool Punt, drawing residents and visitors together to mark the occasion.

Garden Walk is located in Hartenbos North, an area that has developed into a key commercial and tourism node. Positioned next to the N2 at the Hartenbos and Mossel Bay offramp, the centre offers convenient access for local residents, holidaymakers and travellers moving along the Garden Route.

Hartenbos forms part of the wider Mossel Bay region, which includes nearby areas such as Glentana and the Groot and Klein Brak River. Known as a popular coastal destination, the town attracts high visitor numbers during peak holiday seasons and continues to support a growing permanent population.

The single level centre opened with 51 stores, anchored by a 3,500 square metre Checkers FreshX, along with Food Lover’s Market and Dis Chem. It also provides 502 parking bays. Retail offerings include a mix of national brands such as Outdoor Warehouse, Agrimark, Clicks, PNA, Pick n Pay Clothing, Miladys, Mr Price Home, Volpes and PEP Home, alongside a range of specialist stores.

Dining options include Spur, Doppio Zero, Mugg and Bean and Seattle Coffee Company. Local businesses such as Elvis Brew, Krust Café, Craft Biltong, Indoblu, Waterplaas and Koala also form part of the tenant mix, contributing to the centre’s local character.

Developed by Moolman Group in partnership with Dorpstraat and Organic Coral Developments, Garden Walk reflects a long term approach to retail development in growing communities. The centre has been designed to align with the coastal environment, incorporating natural textures, curved architectural elements and landscaped public spaces.

Additional features include outdoor seating areas, a central piazza, a children’s play area and a communal workspace with free Wi Fi access.

During construction, approximately 60 percent of the workforce was sourced locally, with an estimated R32 million spent within the community. The development is expected to continue contributing to the local economy through ongoing employment and business activity.