Sunningdale centre set for R115-million makeover

SUNNINGDALE centre will undergo a R115-million makeover over the next 15 months in a move that is seen as a way to ‘uplift the area’. The centre, which was built more than 20 years ago, has become a popular attraction for residents of the area. Northglen News recently spoke to developer, Jeremy Jiran, of Autumn Star Trading 180 (Pty) Ltd who announced the go-ahead of the demolition works and reconstruction of the new Sunningdale Shopping Centre.

Plans for the new 5,500m² shopping centre to be anchored by either Woolworths or SPAR, will provide shoppers with a much improved retail experience which will include a wide range of convenience stores and restaurants. An added bonus for shoppers, according to Jiran, will be the significantly improved parking provision. Jiran added that many tenants, new to the centre will also be taking up space in the new development.

Andre Hattingh, chairman of the Sunningdale Home Owners Association (SHOA) said the new shopping centre would be good for the area.

“In the greater picture, once completed the new centre is going to be phenomenal. It will also have a knock-on effect by uplifting the area and increasing the value of the residents’ homes. I understand this is an emotional issue and that some residents have reservations and gripes, and I understand that many residents have grown attached to the businesses, like the pharmacy which has been around for 20 years. Ultimately though, this is a fantastic project which will benefit the Sunningdale community,” he said.

FWJK Architecture, who are handling the project, have released several images of what the new centre will look like.

“Demolition works will commence at the end of January 2016 followed by the construction of the new retail centre which will open for trading in April 2017. The design of the new centre will provide a light airy ambiance, whilst also providing the ideal atmosphere that the multiple restaurants will enjoy. The entire centre will be raised one level above its current trading level to provide the restaurants with magnificent sea views,” said Nicole Richards, of FWJK Architecture.

The new development is one of several in the North Durban area, which includes the R3.1-billion development Oceans Umhlanga, launched by local businessman, Vivian Reddy.