The Bethal Crossing Centre, an idea born 10 years ago, will open its doors on April 23.

Kosta Karzis, the developer of the mall and project manager, said he and his father, Dimitri Karzis, owner of Pick n Pay in Secunda, had planned to start building a mall in Bethal in September 2017, but there were several hold-ups, including the Covid-19 pandemic that hit South Africa in 2020.

The father and son looked at suitable locations in Bethal to open a mall and decided on the old Nestle factory, as it has always been a symbolic place in Bethal.

They bought the land in 2019 and demolished the factory.

The family then decided to revamp the mini Pick n Pay in Secunda first and gave the shopping centre a whole new look before focusing on Bethal again.

Well-known businessman and developer of Secunda, Billy te Water, who was also part of the dream of a new mall in Bethal, died in 2023 when he was struck by lightning.

However, the Karzis’ later continued with the groundwork and preparation work and could finally start building early this year.

This convenience centre does not have the look of a typical closed mall, but rather a strip mall, which will allow easy access to all shops.

“We wanted to do something different and more open which can create a safe and friendly atmosphere for families,” said Kosta.

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They used local people to employ as far as possible, and Kosta said the centre will provide job opportunities for many people.

A dedicated taxi drop-off space and a circle will ensure that traffic will still flow smoothly around the centre.

“This will be the first traffic circle in Bethal,” said Kosta. Residents will be able to start shopping at Bethal Crossing Centre on April 23, when it officially opens its doors. The 15 shops in

Phase 1 will offer a great shopping experience. Construction on Phase 2 will begin at the end of the year.

Pick n Pay will be the anchor store. Other stores include a barber, a gift shop, a vape shop, Pick n Pay Clothing, Pick n Pay Liquor, a beautician, Vodacom, a doctor’s room, Fatcake City, a pharmacy and a Vida coffee shop.