Checkers Hyper centre to get R90-m upgrade

The entire facade and entrances to the 16 686sq m centre will receive a new, modern look.

“New tiles, ceilings, bulk heads, shop fronts, upgraded public amenities and new lights are just some of the items that will give the centre the new look,” said a director of Benoni Hyper Investments (Pty) Ltd, who could not be named due to contractual obligations.

He added that all the tenants will be out of the premises by April, except for Autozone and the petrol station.

The entire project will take approximately 12 months to complete.

“The centre is being upgraded to stay competitive in the area and also to keep up with the continuous market demand, not only for the immediate primary market area, but also for the secondary market,” the director said.

“The 9000 sqm Checkers Hyper has been in the centre for almost 30 years and they required an entire store upgrade to accommodate their latest group store design specifications.

“Due to Checkers’ upgrade requirements, the centre owners saw the opportunity to upgrade the entire shopping centre.”

He added that the most important change is the upgrading of Checkers Hyper, upgrading their entire store will cost nearly R30-million, excluding stock and shelving.

“House & Home will also be included in the new design of Checkers Hyper,” he explained.

“A number of the old tenants will move back and new tenants will be added to complement the tenant mix.”

According to the director, after the renovations, the following tenants will be added to the centre: Ackermans, Pep clothing, Pep Home, OK furniture, Sheet Street, Chansons, Liquor City, Checkers Liquor, Simply Shoes and Clothing Junction.

Improving and enhancing the tenants mix was another reason for the centre to be refurbished.

“A new, fresh, modern centre with exciting new tenants, 600 new job opportunities, uplifting the community and adding to Benoni GDP growth are some of the benefits of renovating the centre,” concluded the director.