Bluff Shopping Centre is to be redeveloped into one of Durban’s prime shopping destinations. The landlord SA Retail Properties is to spend R67 million on refurbishing the 23-year-old centre and increasing the letting area from 12 000sqm to 19 200sqm. Managing director Peter Sparks says there has been limited commercial development on the Bluff and retailers are now clamouring for extra trading space. Above average turnover growth is being achieved by Bluff Centre traders with Checkers reaching new heights at R20 000 turnover a square metre a year.
Internal malls and shops in the existing centre will be upgraded and new shopping areas will be clipped onto the eastern and southern corners of the building. Semi-basement parking and a roof parking deck served by lift will raise the number of parking bays to 1 140.
Michael Tod Architects is set to transform the aging centre into a state-of-the-art complex using a holistic design linking elements such as ceiling heights, plants, materials and street furniture. Work will start in a few days and the project will be completed in April next year.
Iain Burns, new business development consultant for Marriott Corporate Property which is handling leasing, says about 90% of the enlarged space has already been taken up and an exciting tenant mix of more than 50 shops will be introduced in the whole complex. Anchor tenants are Checkers, an enlarged Edgars and new tenants Woolworths food and textiles store and Mr Price Home. There is also a strong national retailer element including Ackermans, Pep, Jet, Mica Hardware and Dunns.
For more information contact Iain Burns on 3661111 or 0833256323
Publisher: SA Retail Properties
Source: SA Retail Properties
