An R800m mixed-use development, with offices, shops, cinemas, homes and a Catholic church on one of Bedfordview's prime locations should be complete by the end of next year.

Work began on Bedford Square, punted as "a mixture of Sandton Square and Melrose Arch" in 2004, and already 40 luxury duplex townhouses have been completed.

Raymond Abrosie of developers Bedford Square Properties said several of the duplexes had been sold and were occupied.

Located opposite the Bedford Gardens Shopping Centre, the Mediterranean-themed complex, designed by architects Bentel Associates International, will include a 150-seat Maronite Catholic Church. A priest would conduct daily services.

Abrosie said the second phase of the development, due for completion in October, would include three five-storey apartment buildings .

The 15,500m² retail component, anchored by a 3,000m² SuperSpar, will consist of a piazza with two shopping levels.

A four-level parkade for 1,800 vehicles and a six-theatre Cinema Nouveau complex would also feature in the development.

Abrosie said 16,000m² of office space was also being built.

"We expect the whole development to be fully operational by the end of 2007. It's located probably on the best site in Bedfordview ," he said.

"There is major demand for this kind of space, aimed at the upper- and middle-income markets, in Bedfordview."

Abrosie said a hotel was also planned for the site, but that a deal had not been concluded yet.

Business Day
 
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge