Construction has begun on the R400 expansion and refurbishment of the Norwood Pick 'n Pay Centre which will provide shoppers with a vibrant, state-of-the-art shopping centre, a fresh selection of leading retailers and a new generation Pick 'n Pay Hypermarket.

Penny Karpodinis, MD of The Cavaleros Group, explains that the centre was acquired by the group approximately three years ago. "Intense demographic studies and market research obtained from customers who frequent the centre demonstrated the need to cater to more sophisticated requirements in terms of design and tenant mix. Based on this feedback we will be enhancing the complete experience and creating a shopping centre in its own right," says Karpodinis.

Pick 'n Pay, which boasts one of the highest turnovers in the country, will continue to anchor the centre in a fresh new generation hypermarket store, and negotiations are nearing conclusion with Woolworths for an exciting new store, which will include both food and textile ranges. In addition other national brands such as Mr. Price Group and Mica will be represented, together with a larger Dis-Chem. A Kosher restaurant will also be included to meet the requirements of many customers.

The new centre, which will be enlarged from its current 25,000m2 to 35,000m2, has proved so desirable that it is currently oversubscribed in respect of retailers that wish to have a presence in the mall.

"We have specifically targeted fashion and food retailers which are not otherwise present in the surrounding area to ensure we provide our loyal Norwood customer a unique experience," notes Karpodinis.

Further enhancing the shopping experience, the brand new Pick 'n Pay will boast the fresh new generation look and will also be improving certain ranges and lines.

"The general merchandise range will be improved with focus on certain categories where we have enhanced our offering. The way that the store integrates between food and general merchandise will be much improved over the current store," says Izak Joubert property director at Pick 'n Pay.

"We have innovated quite a lot on the food and grocery side in general, but especially on the fresh food side of the business and these innovations will come through in the new Hypermarket both in terms of range and presentation," explains Joubert.

Apart from an improved fresh food offering, the rest of the food and grocery offering will be in line with that already offered by a Pick 'n Pay Hypermarket. Joubert elaborates "in the design of the new store there will be a focus on certain categories such as health and beauty, where once again there will be an improved range and presentation".

The construction will be effected in two phases, each facilitating the isolation of the construction area from the trading area of the mall and thereby minimising inconvenience to shoppers.

The first phase has commenced and will continue to August 2007 and the second phase will run from September 2007 to July 2008 when the project will be completed and the entire new centre will be open for trade.

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