The newly revamped Benmore Centre has been unveiled

Facelift:

I’m sure you’ve all noticed that Bennmore Shopping Centre has been undergoing a ‘facelift’ for the past, almost two years now. This mall was my local mall, after I moved to Parkmore 5 years ago, following the end of a 7 year relationship. This period was filled with self discovery, meeting new people, moving to a new area and exploring new places to eat and entertain myself at.

Needless to say, this center has a few fond memories for me, from popping into the Dischem for some meds and a healthy snack, to enjoying a red velvet cupcake at Melt. I was invited to their new unveiling and I must say, there are a few new stores for Parkmore and Sandton residents to enjoy.

Redefine Properties has started on a R252 million refurbishment programme, which started in late 2016 and was completed on schedule. They are now ready to welcome shoppers to the revamped Benmore Centre.

Benmore is one of the oldest malls in Sandton’s commercial neighbourhood. Having been developed in 1964 in  the richest square mile on the continent.

What you can expect from the new centre:

The updated look and feel includes a skylight which allows natural light to flood all levels of the mall significantly enhancing the architectural language of the existing building. Furthermore, resource efficiency has been built into the centre with energy efficient lighting, water saving taps and flushers.

The centre has also installed a “green living wall” by Woolworths and is one of the biggest of its kind in Sandton. The wall is a visual feast of lush greenery and contributes to the new look while improving air quality. This living feature wall is hydroponically irrigated and provides a landscaped entrance to Woolies.

The second floor was remodelled to create a “services” level by removing office space to accommodate the Post Office and banking institutions like ABSA, FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank. The two new entrances off the first and second floors will provide seamless access from the parking area to shopping levels on these floors.

Food retailer Woolworths has already relocated to a new space in the centre covering over 3 330sqm and have added Woolworths Café to their offering. Tenants that were relocated include Step Ahead, Kozi Kids, Post Net, Rain, Ala Juliette and Handmade by Bev. The centre will play host to some 70 retailers with Exclusive Books, Big Blu, Wellness Warehouse, Zifferelli, Birkenstock, Motherland Coffee, Miladys, The Bagel Zone and Sorbet Man debuting for the first time in the centre. Another notable change on Benmore Centre’s dining front is the new under cover seating areas for Mio Col’cacchio, Nando’s, Simply Asia and Fourno’s.

Nashil Chotoki, Retail Asset Manager at Redefine Properties says, “We are confident that this refresh will enhance the shopping experience for our customers and boost the trading environment for our tenants.”

“Our efforts at revitalising the centre are aimed at positioning Benmore Centre for convenience to the surrounding offices and residents, offering shoppers a new, varied experience at their doorstep,” says Chotoki in conclusion.

Have you been to the new centre yet? Let me know what you think and stand a chance to win a R300 voucher for Simply Asia in Bennmore. Competition closes Sunday and the winner will be announced on Monday, 08 October.