ENIGMA alerted us to this development a while back, but I haven't posted anything because it is difficult to find any renderrings online. Anyone have a website for the developer, Budwa Ambrosie? Anyway, it's nothing to get terribly excited about, except that it embraces new urbanism. But alas, it's Tuscan. Whack off. Orgasm. But hey, it's something, and it should inject new life into Bedford Gardens. It will most certainly send the values of all those high rise flats in Bedford Gardens skyrocketing.

Name: Bedford Sqaure
Use: Mixed Use
Floors: the apartments will reach about 5 floors.
Some highlights:
- Phase 1: a townhouse complex - complete
- Phase 2: development of three apartment blocks of 5 floors each
- Phase 3: office, retail, recreational and hotel compenents

Phase 3 will include the construction of a church, a 160 room four star hotel, a conference facility for 500 people, a health hydro, office space, six cinema nouveau theatres and a range of restaurants.

The developers say that the hotel will, as far as possible, be integrated with the rest of the complex to give guests direct access to the retail outlets. To further the sense of integration, a network of walkways will trace their way between the residential, retail and recreational nodes of the square.

And this is the most original part of it all... The retail and hotel sections of the complex will be built around a central piazza designed to resemble an ancient mediterranean village.

OMFG is that for real? Yuck.What is it with these types of fake developments. So that cancer is still growing in Gauteng, huh? BTW have they carved up the golf course next to Eastgate yet?

OMFG is that for real? Yuck.What is it with these types of fake developments. So that cancer is still growing in Gauteng, huh?


Yep the cancer is alive and well, with very little sign of regression. :( It makes me frustrated. And then these architects complain about the new government precinct??!!

BTW have they carved up the golf course next to Eastgate yet?

Yep yep.. it's an estate now. And a road. On the one side of the road, we have the hideous estate. And the other side, we have Reddam House which opened about two years ago. And between Reddam House and the Park Meadows shopping centre, Pick 'n Pay have built a regional head office.

Yep the cancer is alive and well, with very little sign of regression. :( It makes me frustrated. And then these architects complain about the new government precinct??!!



Yep yep.. it's an estate now. And a road. On the one side of the road, we have the hideous estate. And the other side, we have Reddam House which opened about two years ago. And between Reddam House and the Park Meadows shopping centre, Pick 'n Pay have built a regional head office.

yay for reddam house... dats my school but in bedforview yay..

A little bit more information about Bedford Square. It is very much under construction! Still no renderrings. But at least we now know it'll include a Maronite Church. :lol:

New R800m Bedfordview complex will include church
14 Mar 2006

Inet Bridge -

An R800m mixed-use development should be complete by the end of next year

By Nick Wilson
An R800m mixed-use development, with offices, shops, cinemas, homes and a Catholic church on one of Bedfordview's prime locations should be complete by the end of next year.

Work began on Bedford Square, punted as "a mixture of Sandton Square and Melrose Arch" in 2004, and already 40 luxury duplex townhouses have been completed.

Raymond Abrosie of developers Bedford Square Properties said several of the duplexes had been sold and were occupied.

Located opposite the Bedford Gardens Shopping Centre, the Mediterranean-themed complex, designed by architects Bentel Associates International, will include a 150-seat Maronite Catholic Church. A priest would conduct daily services.

Abrosie said the second phase of the development, due for completion in October, would include three five-storey apartment buildings .

The 15,500m² retail component, anchored by a 3,000m² SuperSpar, will consist of a piazza with two shopping levels.

A four-level parkade for 1,800 vehicles and a six-theatre Cinema Nouveau complex would also feature in the development.

Abrosie said 16,000m² of office space was also being built.

"We expect the whole development to be fully operational by the end of 2007. It's located probably on the best site in Bedfordview ," he said.

"There is major demand for this kind of space, aimed at the upper- and middle-income markets, in Bedfordview."

Abrosie said a hotel was also planned for the site, but that a deal had not been concluded yet.

Business Day

terrible architecture from the render that was in the paper...it looks like a 5 storey tuscan home on steriods...yuck...but good concept.

Here's an render. I naturally hate the Mediterranean style of the place (as I've said a hundred times before) but this doesn't look too bad. At least there'll some real history with the church.

I'd like to know what Archangel thinks of this development, considering his apartment will look down upon this monstrous development and will undoubtedly increase in value. :)

http://files.photojerk.com/joburg/Bedford-Square-interior-vie.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/joburg/Bedford-Square-perspective.jpg

And more information:

Bentel Associates International designs unique mixed-use development

The mixed-use development at Bedford Square has been the vision of developers Raymond and Budwa Abrosie of Bedford Square Properties (Pty) Ltd for many years.

Bentel Associates International has designed this upmarket venture at Bedford Square, in Bedfordview east of Johannesburg. The international company is one of South Africa’s most diversified and innovative architectural firms offering complete commercial architectural services, with special emphasis on complex, mixed-use developments.

The R800-million Mediterranean themed complex will provide prestigious residential, business, recreational and retail facilities in one of the most exclusive suburbs in the country. Previously the site of an old mine dump, the development on the corner of Smith and Kirkby roads is situated across the road from the Bedford Gardens Shopping Centre.

“With upmarket premium shopping, entertainment, office, hotel and residential facilities Bedford Square will be the embodiment of a multi-faceted urban village, both respecting and enhancing the surrounding town and environment”, says Nick Kyriacos, BAI project director. “Our clients, the Abrosie brothers, specifically wanted to create a Mediterranean village environment with a real sense of community life.”

Although the entire complex features a Mediterranean theme, the Bentel team has designed each node with its own distinct character and features. The piazza for example, will have ancient Mediterranean design accents.

The 160 000 m2 complex is being developed in three phases and will include a 7 000 m² boutique hotel, 15 000 m² of retail shops, cinemas and restaurants, 54 000 m² four-level parking basement, 17 000 m² of office space and 30 000 m² of apartments.

An unusual addition will be a 150-seat Maronite Catholic Church with a strong sense of history. The church will incorporate altars, pews and other items from a 100-year old defunct Maronite Catholic Church in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. A live-in priest will conduct daily services.

The heart of this development will be the central piazza. “As part of the concept we have included a large congregation area in the form of a European-style village square or piazza,” says Darryl Skinner, BAI project architect. “The square will be the focal point of the village where a sense of community and the outdoor environment can be enjoyed. A retractable roof incorporated into the design will enable the piazza to be utilised in all types of weather.

The entire complex will be fully integrated and the design includes pathways and walking areas that will link the respective components of the project thereby creating create a unique, pedestrian-friendly area in a village atmosphere.”

Phase One of the development was completed last year and consists of a cluster of luxurious townhouses featuring classic Mediterranean style architecture and finishes. “We have designed a staggered roofline and the facade of the townhouses has been created to appear as a collection of different buildings,” says Nick Kyriacos.

The units range from 140m2 to 330m2 and are finished in classic or contemporary style; the quality finishes include marble and wooden floors, and granite and marble kitchen tops.

The second phase, currently underway, consists of three five-storey apartment buildings with 108 luxury apartments. Phase Three includes the 150-room, hotel, the church, a health hydro, the retail centre and related recreational components as well as the commercial office space.

An increasing number of mixed-use developments are emerging in upmarket areas. The features within a mixed-use village are mutually beneficial to both commercial and residential occupants and result in more integrated communities by affording residents and employees the opportunity to live, work, and conduct business within the village area, thereby minimising the need for transport.

“A fully mixed-use village is a relatively new concept in Gauteng. The unique design and attention to detail of this prestigious development will ensure that Bedford Square will be an excellent example of an exclusive and completely self-contained village in an urban environment,” says Darryl Skinner.

Bedford Square will be fully operational by the middle of 2007. Residents and visitors will discover a vibrant village with a streetscape of speciality retail and restaurant establishments, along with luxury residential, office and hotel accommodations. Buildings of varied size and scale with fine architecture and quality finishes will line the piazza and define warm and inviting communal spaces.

Bedford Square - a unique lifestyle with a strong emphasis on a real sense of community - it will be the perfect place to live, work, worship, shop, and relax.

We can hate Toskaans as much as we want....but the retractable roof is cool! :D

I like it, fine the tuscan is being over donw but that area needs something nice, I hate Bedford view, the building look so crappy there! My cuz lives there, he had a flat near the clinic, they look ugly from the outside, but the interiors are done up quite nicely, he know has this huge place in the observatory on that hill facing the chinese market along side bruma.

"I'd like to know what Archangel thinks of this development, considering his apartment will look down upon this monstrous development and will undoubtedly increase in value. :)"


Well, personally, of course I'm happy that my apartment has gone up in value and will continue to do so. And, the concept is very good... frankly, Bedfordview is severely lacking in nice hangouts that really do have an upmarket feel that can rival those of Sandton, Rosebank, and dare I say, even the new ones popping up in and around the CBD. However, I do have some concerns.

Firstly, the Erkurhuleni council is already struggling to cope with the amount of people moving into the area and new dwellings going up at a very very fast rate. Essential services are already being affected, with power cuts being more frequent, many more problems regarding water supply (anyone remember Van Buuren Rd last year?), and general maintenance in the area.

Secondly, traffic is worse than it's ever been, potholes abundant (okay, I admit the weather lately has'nt helped, but it rains alot more in other places... so that's no excuse), and with the stupid planning around Bedford Centre since their revamp, it's a nightmare to drive through.

Granted, once construction has stopped and Bedford Square is up and running it's contribution will be felt, but will the surrounding area cope? After all, any building's effectiveness is dependent also on it's surrounding infrastructure. Will we end up with another Fourways or Midrand? Where there's absolute chaos regarding moving around?

I'm not slating the project, don't get me wrong. Even though the architecture is Tuscan (horror horror shock cringe), at the end of the day the Abrosia's are business people, and that's what sells... (Monte, Nelson Mandela Square anyone?), so you can't really blame them for that. And that will contribute to bringing money into the area. And I've seen the duplexes, and though small, they are of very high quality. Whether or not it becomes a white elephant over time we'll only know in a few years.

oh ho where is bedford ?? nice boost to the area

^^ Near Eastgate

fock thats far ....down south

No silly it's only a 15 minute drive from Wits... Not far at all. :)

Man, I am from Durban & even I know where this place is!

u telling me bedfordview is in ekurhuleni? or whatever the rand is now?????????

Yup it is. Ekhuruleni is actually the 11th fastest growing city in the world.

I actually liked Bedfordview....and....even though yall are gonna hate me...I liked Kempton Park too! :D Actually....all of Ekhurilini.......

Tom..I'm sure you've seen the house development out at Kempton...its phenomenal.......even Daveyton is getting new houses from private developers....go Davey.....

U know wat part of Joburg I hate, ALBERTON! wats with that place! so boring! they should close it down! but did any of you guys see the new BMW show room near the freeway there! OMG ! its like 6 storeys!

I miss SA - esp Bedfordview my ex home town.. I am just glad that the developers are putting up a quality complex - it could have been much worse... Good luck to them. I am sure that the owners of Bedford Centre (Win Twice Prop bought it in 2002 and spent R100 mil..doing an upgrade/expansion 2004) must be concerned with Bedford Square eating up it's market in the office and retail space... I heard the rents were sky high in Bedford Centre.. I have to wonder how big the market is in Bedfordview..... Perhaps both these companies know something we don't.
It will be interesting to watch...

Given the increase in numbers, traffic, etc I am in favour of mixed use complexes - who wants to sit in traffic.

welcome mate....i agree, mixed use is the ONLY way to go

With regard to Ozby's comments: First of all welcome.
Bedford view is actualy booming nicely, not too fast like the rest of the places.
They taking it slow, but doing it properly, the last time I went there, they were
just finishing the renovations to that shopping center, near the shell garage, not sure the name of it, but its near the clinic & up the rod from Eastgate, & the buildings around it have been renovated too, so there is quite abit happeing there.

Tom whats happening here?

My dear Mikey, unfortunately the project is still bobbing along very well. Construction should be coming to a close soon.

welcome home...:)

thanks boyo.. :)

oh dear not another tuscun/mediterreanian beast! lol, sorry guys but i REALLY dispise tuscun/mediterrenean!

^^ did u leave us??

As per Mikey's and Giles' request for construction pics, here are two crappy photos I took whilst driving past this hideous development the other day..



http://files.photojerk.com/joburg/Photo-0964.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/joburg/Photo-0965.jpg

well least something is happening...

does that umbrella have horns?? lol

Keep on meaning to get photos for this development, it's absolutely massive! It's actually gone up to 9F on the one part, so we need to change the thread title again.

They changed the design from that horrible tuscan crap to something more contemporary (it seems so at least)


http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/square2.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/square3.jpg

From Shopping to a complete lifestyle experience

Bedford Centre is on the move. The Centre, well-known for its exclusive cosmopolitan look and feel, is expanding and will soon incorporate an exciting lifestyle component.

This lifestyle-orientated development is currently under construction on the eastern side of the Bedford Centre, and once completed in March 2008, will add approximately an additional 25 000sqm to the Bedford Centre.

To be known as Bedford Square, this retail node will link up to the Bedford Centre via an innovative underground retail mall situated below Kirkby Road. This will facilitate easy and convenient access for shoppers who wish to engage in an alternative upmarket shopping experience at either end of the now substantially enlarged Centre. On completion, the retail space will measure approximately 65 000sqm.

As part of the construction process, the adjoining road network, as well as the walkways and pavements around the Centre, will also be upgraded.

"There is no doubt that shoppers will be delighted by the new design of Bedford Square, as well as its integration into the Bedford Centre", says Peter Jaehne, the Centre Manager.

On the design side, natural materials such as stone and wood will be combined with contrasting elements of steel and glass. The ambience will be greatly enhanced by lush greenery and a central piazza which will incorporate a diverse selection of restaurants and coffee shops to further complement the exciting array of fine eateries at the Bedford Centre.

A state-of-the-art Planet Fitness and new premises for Cinema Nouveau are just two of the many new life-style orientated tenants that patrons of the Bedford Centre will have access to.

Says Marie Coetsee, the Marketing Manager for Bedford Centre: "Shoppers will be able to participate in various promotions and attractions to promote not only the exciting new contemporary-styled piazza, but also the merging of these two unique shopping nodes through the underground retail link".

Shoppers and the general public will be informed and updated on the progress of all developments pertaining to the construction and integration of both shopping malls on a monthly basis. Security throughout the construction period will remain a top priority.

This exciting construction project will further be extended by creating 420 high profile residential apartments and, an additional 3 500sqm of state-of-the-art office component. The development of the apartments around the central piazza will create a vibrant live\work\play environment. "The top floor units will be designed as luxury penthouses and will be the best Bedfordview has to offer in terms of views, standard of luxury and level of sophistication", according to Gareth Poole, director of the HBW Group. HBW Group are the owners of both the Bedford Centre and the Bedford Square development.

Construction pics from the sky (these are quite old - but just to give you an indication of size)
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/square4.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/square6.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/square5.jpg

Brilliant!!! Finally, are we seeing the end of Tuscan, atleast in semi-urban projects like this?

That would be great news for this city. And I think this contemporary look (on Bedford Gardens) suits Johannesburg well.

Yah.. the only bit of Tuscany in this development now are townhouses that are safely tucked behind this monstrousity of a development. I believe they are called Villa Ambrosia. Vomit.

so the tuscan is gone? thank the pope. otherwise this would have been another eyesore for the bedfordview area

Plllllllease change the thread title to 9F? :)

not bad

The following is from GoGauteng Magazine -


As an Indication of top-end properties in the development, the largest penthouse has been sold for a record price of R13.5 million which is R35 000.00 per square metre.

Phase one was sold in record time and phase 2 is more than 60% sold.

The construction of local roads and infrastructure as well as intergration of the two sites on either side of Kirby Road began in May. The Bedford Centre and its new eastern addition will be linked via a novel underground retail shopping hub below Kirby road.

Once completed, Bedford will offer a sophisticated array of el fresco style eateries around the starlit piazza , a state of the art Planet Fitness, Cinema Nouveau multiplex, and the pessionate shopper will enjoy steemed new tenants such as the Urban Day Spa, Mefa Musica, Illy Coffee, Da Roscha Interiors, Ciao Baby, Jimmy Jungles and many others.

Adding to the very modern and sleek Bedford feel, a festive village ambiance will be intruduced by the stunning glass and water sculpture which combines with moving water and colourful lighting.

It will be completed and Launched in April 2008.

This development has taken on it's basic structure, now they're just doing touch ups. It's quite big ass! The roads around there are quite screwed though lol..

Progress: 19-11-2007


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050761.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050762.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050763.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050766.jpg

thanks pule

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050773.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050771.jpg

this one all done now?

No it isn't. It was supposed to have been opened by now but they are still putting on finishing touches, which is slightly disappointing. Obviously something has held them up - perhaps load shedding? Anyway, from an amateur point of view I would give it another three months till completion.

Thanks Tom.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090288.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090286.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090285.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090293.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090294.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090295.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090296.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090297.jpg

http://www.murrob.co.za/images/logo.gif

http://www.murrob.co.za/project_portfolio/images/bedfordjun0804s.jpg

BEDFORD SQUARE
Murray & Roberts Construction
Location: South Africa - Gauteng
Project Manager: Colin Steyn


Client: Bedford Centre
Partners: none
Project Type: Mixed Use Development
Value: R700 million
Progress: behind
Duration: 32 months
Project Start: 12 September 2005

Rationale: Living environments that integrate residential, business, recreational and retail facilities are not very familiar to South Africans. Bedford Square offers a unique lifestyle opportunity. This R700-million “New Urbanism” complex will provide all of these facilities in a prestigious self-contained mixed use village environment that offers convenience and a sense of community to busy city-dwellers.

The Project: Murray & Roberts is responsible for phase 3 of the project which includes the construction of 197 apartments, a 4 storey parkade, retail centre, one level of offices and 210 luxury apartments. Completion of Bedford Square is phased in handovers from October 2007 through to April 2008. The development and construction of Bedford Square will create some 2 500 job opportunities.

^^ Its completed.

Although it's still not fully opened yet. Some shops haven't moved in yet, and they are still doing finishing touches. I'm not the biggest fan of it because of how it is completel closed off from the street, but the movies and the gym are both very nice.

I like it even though I agree with you about it being closed off, which is a norm in our country because no one can guarantee security. While we on that topic, do you guys know which clothings brands will be taking space in Fashion Kapitol and Retail Improvment District?

No clue, but I'm guessing there will be a preference for local designers like Stone Cherie. Which I think is great considering that we should harness our local clothing industry.

^^ true Tom, I hope we will also have design from other African countries. But will still need to lure Internationa brands as well.