The Randburg Waterfront is soon to become the "Brightwater Commons" after a major refurbishment, to be completed by April 2004.

The Waterfront, built in 1996, is an entertainment and shopping complex surrounding a lake in a natural depression in President Ridge in Randburg. It became popular with teenagers and families, offering live bands and African dancers, combined with a wide choice of restaurants and flea market stalls.

But in recent years shops became vacant and people went elsewhere for entertainment and restaurants. Owners Gray Property Trust have identified a number of problems that led to the decline: too many restaurants and not enough retail space; clubs that attracted a drug culture; restricted access to shops, which were spread too far apart around the lake; and the water itself was thought to be too large an area, and "alienating with no soft edges".

The R80-million refurbishment focuses on "various changes including the introduction of new tenants, extension of business hours for shops, a complete evaluation of water activities and the possible relocation of some current stores".

The first step in the refurbishment is the restructuring of the central lake area. The draining of the lake took place in January this year, and will be replaced by a smaller, softer body of water, "tumbling into a bubbling brook and pool".

Around the central area will be a selection of market stalls, lawn areas, sports activity zones and play areas. The retail mix is to be significantly changed and will in future reflect a blend of tenants from "exotic and unique entrepreneurs to trend-setting national stores".

"The need for 'active retail' and an inside/outside shopping experience have influenced the design of the redevelopment which is around a common lawn area and promotional court. Adjacent to the promotional court, the common lawn area is designed to host family entertainment, outdoor exhibitions and traditional village activities," according to Marriott Retail, leasing brokers for the project.

There'll be walkways providing a link from the outdoor areas to the rest of the development, designed specifically to attract families in the immediate neighbourhood.

Executive Director Chris Lawrence of Marriott Retail says: "In Johannesburg we have seen the success of informal markets, of the street scene and are watching a new café society emerge in other developments. Brightwater moves a step further forward, to position itself ahead of its competitors by bringing together the latest thinking and innovation in retail development."

Phase One of the development, which includes the completion of the central core, will be officially opened at the end of October this year. Phase Two, which entails some stores expanding their space and others opening new stores, is scheduled to open by the end of April.

Johannesburg News Agency