Lifestyle Centre strikes back with major revamp
A permanent artisanal food market, the introduction of more up-market restaurants and a whole new look will transform The Ballito Lifestyle Centre into a “unique and experimental offering"
The Ballito Lifestyle Centre, for 13 years the dominant centre in the Dolphin Coast region whose future is under pressure from the R1.6 billion Junction regional mall, is striking back with a major revamp.
While the centre will lose most of its fashion retailers to The Junction when it opens on March 23, construction will start straightaway on building a permanent artisanal food market, as well as introducing up-market restaurants that promote a fine dining culture.
With the opening of the centre in 2003, the focus of business shifted away from the lower village and began the transformation of a holiday village into a growing town. It also attracted a new type of shopper which in turn led to further growth.
The new Junction is expected to take the town to yet another level and radically improve Ballito’s standing in the region.
Co-owner Bruce Rencken said they had been working hard over the past 18 months to reposition the centre.
“We will now differentiate ourselves. We will not become a Value Centre, instead we will provide the discerning Ballito shopper with an up-market, unique and experiential offering.
“Our focus will be on food, family fine-dining, an artisanal food market, boutique fashion and style, connecting friends and family, and everyday convenience.”
The centre will lose 26 shops to The Junction, retain 36 stores and later in the year will gain a second Dischem, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Baby City and ToyZone. The Superspar, Tops, Mica and Alpha Pharmacy – which together represent 80 percent of the centre’s turnover – will be staying and, Rencken says, the expected turnover of the four new stores will more than make up for what he was losing.
“There are a number of other concluded deals and deals at advanced negotiations which will ensure that Lifestyle Centre retains its position as the neighbourhood convenience centre in Ballito, with easy access, convenient and free parking, and a great selection of stores, to be enjoyed in our unique outdoor environment.”
Lifestyle Centre’s focus would now be on growing its ‘local’ flavour, says Rencken.
“This is an ambitious idea,” said Rencken, “but we have done extensive homework and the buy-in from our market traders, entrepreneurs and existing tenants has been phenomenal, confirming that this is what Ballito wants and that we are indeed on the right track!”
A permanent artisanal food market, the introduction of more up-market restaurants and a whole new look will transform The Ballito Lifestyle Centre into a “unique and experimental offering”.
>>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.
>>> Looking for a church? Check out our Churches on the North Coast feature.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
