New face for Northmead Square

The popular Benoni landmark will undergo its transformation from October 8 until November 2016.

A Woolworths Food will be added to the centre, as well as more than 125 parking bays.

The Woolworths store will include the very latest layouts and specifications, including a Woolworths Café coffee shop, bakery, fishmonger, butchery and deli.

Additional parking space will be created with the construction of an upper parking deck.

It will be located from the back of the Engen garage to the fence bordering the Ekurhuleni East College.

Easier access to the centre will also be created, with the construction of a traffic circle at the entrance to Northmead Square where Fourth Street meets 14th Avenue.

In addition, the redevelopment will introduce another convenient entrance and exit on O’Reilly Merry Street, next to the Ekurhuleni East College, providing direct access to the ground and upper level parking.

Several of the current tenants will be re-located to other parts of the centre.

The centre’s new owners, the Bentel Group, who acquired the Northmead Square in March, this year, are excited about the change.

“The expansion and refurbishment of Northmead Square will also provide the convenience of added parking, improved traffic flows and better access to the square,” said the group in a press release.

“It will increase the size of the well-supported community centre from around 14 200sqm to 16 400sqm and create a striking new glazed atrium.

“The atrium weatherproofs key parts of the centre, encompassing the Ster Kinekor cinema complex, restaurants and shops.”

Selwyn Bentel, director of the Bentel Group, said the new owners will ensure the popular centre remains within the hearts of Benonians.

“Our investment in redeveloping Northmead Square responds to the needs of its loyal shoppers and dedicated tenants,” said Bentel.

“This unique shopping centre has become part of the fabric of Benoni and is at the heart of its community.

“The moment we saw it, we knew it was an exceptional centre with huge potential.

“Our experience has shown us that centres should be upgraded roughly every 10 years to keep them relevant and exciting.

“By upgrading and updating Northmead Square, we intend to continue its legacy of exceptional care and ensure it remains an asset Benonians can be proud of and enjoy for many years to come.

“Northmead Square’s next chapter will reward the dedication and commitment of everyone who has been part of the centre’s community over the years.”

The Bentels said the current tenants are excited about the new plans.

“We have found that tenants are excited about upgrading their stores, introducing the latest retail designs and ideas that complement the look and feel that we have created,” said Bentel.

“We are mindful that projects of this kind come with a level of disruption, and we’ve taken steps to make it as pain-free as possible for everyone.

“The on-site project team has been briefed to keep in close communication with tenants and the programme has been divided into three phases, to help minimise disruption from the construction – ultimately the results benefit everyone.”

What are your thoughts on the upgrades? Email us your letters to bctletters@caxton.co.za.