Just eight months after they opened their doors last year, the Rawson Property Group’s commercial division in the Helderberg Basin was mandated to find tenants for a 3450m2 retail and office complex in Somerset West – a project which had grand plans for the months that followed. Called The Avenues and owned by the Chang Property Trust, the complex which is located on Main and Drama Streets, aimed to bring to the area a decidedly hip and cosmopolitan feel.
“The renovation of this unique building, which was done in three phases,” says Johann van der Merwe Junior, the Rawson Property Group's Somerset West and Strand franchisee as well as leader of the five person commercial team, “kicked off in March last year with phase one being completed in December.”
Having taken almost a year to complete, says van der Merwe, the total cost of phase one was R1.5 million and it included a re-paint of the whole building, installation of fresh and modern signage, the addition of greenery with beautiful planter boxes and an innovative duo of LED cube light boxes which light up every evening, making use of four different colours.
“The light boxes, which are situated at both corners of the building,” says van der Merwe, “include the building’s impressive logo and were inspired by Somerset West’s famed wind. Now a landmark in the Somerset West CBD, the light boxes are a feast for the eyes with whimsical coloured leaves that fly and dance around.”
Due to the extensive upgrades done and the excitement around the development, the Rawson Commercial Helderberg team has managed to secure eight out of the nine required tenants, one being the now national Zebro’s – a take away franchise group, owned by Taste Holdings – that started out in the small town of Caledon.
“There is currently only one vacancy in the centre, and due to its sterling position and size, as well as access to ample parking, we believe it will be ideal for a trendy eatery, an upscale coffee shop or a boutique restaurant.”
Phase two of the development’s renovation, says van der Merwe, has already begun and will continue throughout 2016. The plan for this phase is to build and open up a foyer and courtyard area that will make space for more shops, restaurants and cafes.
“Phase three will then follow in 2017,” says van der Merwe, “and see the addition of a first floor office area, more restaurant space and an open deck. The idea behind this phase will be to create a collaborative work hub, which embraces the co-working space concept now seen all over the Cape Town CBD.”
“The Avenues wants to give freelancers, entrepreneurs and small company owners the chance to share their skills and ideas, as well as other essentials such as meeting space and kitchen facilities – something that is highly needed in the Helderberg Basin right now.”
Phases two and three will receive a total investment value of R3 million, bringing the total to just under R5 million, but the improvements and renovations aren’t going to stop there.
“The possibilities for this exciting project are endless, with plans for phase four currently being discussed. Additions like a car park, an alley suited to markets and more lifestyle space are on the cards, so any tenant signing on now has a bright future to look forward to.”
For more information contact the Rawson Somerset West franchise on 021 851 2656.
