Tenants of Rosebank's neglected Admiral Court are uncertain about their future as a major revamp of the centre seems to be on the cards.

But owners Old Mutual Properties are keeping mum about their plans.

"Nobody knows anything!" said Gunter Samson, owner of Between the Palms antique store.

Samson, who is on a short lease, approached Old Mutual Properties about two months ago and was told he would need to find new premises.

"They told me I had a year to get out," he said. "I don't want to wait for the pressure to build - so I'm already looking around."

Mike Loczi, owner of hair salon Miklos Coiffeur, has been a tenant in the centre for 12 years and is on a two- year lease. "The place next door to me is standing empty because no one knows what will happen to the centre," said Loczi.

Most tenants are aware that there is to be redevelopment and there is even talk that the building may be imploded.

Mike Kerkhoff of Michael Kerkhoff & Associates said in a statement on behalf of the company's clients, Old Mutual Properties: "Our clients are experiencing a strong demand for retail space in the Rosebank node and are considering proposals to add to the already exciting and vibrant atmosphere."

Old Mutual Properties manages a number of Rosebank shopping centres, including The Zone@Rosebank, Regent Place, Mutual Square, Admirals Court, Oxford Corner and Rosebank Boulevard.

Kerkhoff said the Gautrain project, which will see an underground train station built below Oxford Road, opposite the Zone and Mutual Square, is influencing the redevelopment.

"The boost [from the station] to Rosebank will be enormous," said Kerkhoff. "Rosebank is, in fact, one of several Gautrain-linked locations in which Old Mutual has substantial property investments."

Sunday Times