The development of this value-retail hub was initiated following the joint acquisition of site of the existing Bedworth Park Pick n Pay Hypermarket in Vanderbijlpark by Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and East and West Investments (Pty) Limited, a member of the Moolman Group of companies.

Flanagan & Gerard has extensive experience and knowledge in retail development. The company developed the Vaal Mall – another successful shopping centre in the area – and Flanagan & Gerard is also a part owner of Vaal Mall. The Moolman Group has substantial property investments throughout South Africa.

Bolstering retail in this prime node, the existing Bedworth Centre is being extended by 15,000sqm to provide a wider variety of retail choice. This, in addition to the recently upgraded and expanded 20,000sqm Pick ‘n Pay, is set to provide a fresh and exciting 35,000sqm redeveloped centre.

A brand new 16,500sqm Makro - catering for both retail and commercial shoppers - is currently under construction diagonally opposite the Bedworth Centre, which will open soon. In addition to this, a Shell filling station soon to be developed and the recently opened KFC restaurant will also add to the supreme convenience of this exceptional value node developing around Bedworth Centre.
“The successful Pick n Pay Hypermarket in the Bedworth Centre is a long-standing landmark in the area, and with its excellent location and additional space for extension, it made sense to develop the site into a one-stop value shopping node,” says John Rowberry of Flanagan & Gerard.

To support the additional traffic and access requirements for this regional value retail node, roads in the area will be upgraded.

Now completely revamped and expanded the 35,000sqm Bedworth Centre’s flagship Pick n Pay is flanked by a 6,000sqm Builders Warehouse.

Other popular, well-known value retailers will open on 26 October 2010, including Tekkie Town, Jam Clothing, Furniture City, Dial-a-Bed, UFO Furniture, Mugg and Bean, Fish and Chip Co, Clothing City, Pie City and Rage.

“Builders Warehouse, which has barely been open for four months is doing exceptionally well, with owners already looking at another extension to cater for demand,” points out Rowberry. “With communities across the Vaal already supporting the Bedworth Pick n Pay, the expansion and revamp has served to improve the offering, range and choice for these customers.”

The node is over 90% let, with less than 2,000sqm still available. 

Bedworth Centre is located close to a number of Vaal communities, including Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Sasolburg and Parys as well as Sebokeng, Boipatong, Bophelong, Evaton and Roshnee. Sharpville is also within walking distance to the centre.

Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group is upbeat about the economic benefits to the area. “These alone are significant. The construction work and the resultant retail outlets have and will continue to create much needed jobs. Residents will no longer have to drive to Johannesburg for their value shopping as this node is helping to keep the hard-earned cash of the locals in the community.”