Initiated by new owner Private Capital Partners, the refurbishment will increase trading space by 6000m² to 36000m².
It is one of a string of refurbishments across the country as centre owners move to counter increased competition partly facilitated by the entry of new centres.
Private Capital Partners says that when Bedford Centre was built 33 years ago, it was considered the flagship shopping mall east of Johannesburg, preferred by the city's wealthiest.
Work will begin early next year. The refurbishment is designed to attract the shopper at the higher end of the market.
Joining current anchor tenant Pick 'n Pay and the major banks are a number of high-profile national stores, says leasing manager Stephanie Bates.
'We intend to offer two dedicated fashion courts comprising both national stores and local and imported boutiques, and a dedicated banking and services mall,' says Bates.
A number of complementary new stores, including IT stores targeting the growing business sector, home and leisure stores, a hairdressing salon, lingerie store and toiletry store and restaurants will be introduced.
The new shops will adhere to stringent interior design criteria. Bob van Bebber from architects Boogertman Krige says the overall feel of the renovated centre will be simple and clean, with quality finishes that give an appearance of light and space. This will be achieved, in part, by lifting the skylight in the centre court to the third level and creating a mezzanine area dedicated to entertainment and leisure. Nu Metro will transform the existing movie house into two Cinema Prives.
Business Day
Publisher: Business Day
Source: Business Day