The Paardevlei Centre, brought to life by the Shoprite Group, represents more than just a commercial hub. It tells a compelling story of transformation, honouring its storied past while embracing a vibrant future. This centre stands as a testament to how an industrial landscape can evolve into a bustling community space, where history and modernity coexist, creating a place where the echoes of history blend with the everyday rhythms of life.
A Historical Legacy
Located in Somerset West, the Paardevlei Centre is nestled within the Paardevlei Lifestyle Estate, an area with a rich historical legacy. Once the site of crucial explosives and ammunition production by AECI, Paardevlei holds significant historical importance. The site, which once housed a centuries-old explosives plant, has been reimagined into a lively centre that balances commerce with connection.
Preserving Heritage Buildings
Three heritage buildings, each a silent witness to the past, have been carefully integrated into the development. The machines shops have been incorporated into the Checkers FX footprint to house the supermarket’s fresh food theatre, paying homage to the area’s refined tastes with offerings that include speciality cheese and wine sections. Another, formerly a locomotive shed, has been transformed into Checkers Outdoor, bridging the gap between history and contemporary use.
A New Chapter with Shoprite Group
With the opening of the Paardevlei Centre, the Shoprite Group has created 144 new jobs, inaugurating five new stores: Checkers supermarket, Checkers Outdoor, Petshop Science, Liquorshop, and a standalone Medirite Plus, all launched on the same day.
Integrating the Past into Modern Retail
The new shopping centre pays homage to its industrial heritage, preserving various historical buildings, including the old carpenter shop and locomotive shed, which now houses Checkers Outdoor. The machine shops have been seamlessly integrated into the supermarket’s footprint, maintaining a tangible link to the estate’s past. Notably, a perfectly preserved fireless locomotive and dynamite carriage from 1909, along with replicas of rare lamps resembling those from as far back as 1899, are featured in the development.
A Unique Shopping Experience
“We deeply value our responsibility as stewards of this historic site and have therefore tastefully retained some of the old industrial character while embracing a contemporary store design, offering customers a unique shopping experience that merges history with modern convenience,” says Willem Hunlun, Chief Operating Officer for Checkers.
Diverse Offerings at Checkers Paardevlei
Customers at Checkers Paardevlei can enjoy a wide range of in-store fresh food and service departments, including:
- A Meat Market with free-range chicken and restaurant-quality steak
- A bakery offering artisan breads and cakes
- Health and Wellness section
- A hamburger bar
- A wine cellar
- A sushi bar
- An in-store Kauai and Krispy Kreme
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Hot and cold foods deli
- A Money Market counter
The store will be managed by Ashley Gibbons who is from Somerset West and has been with the Group for more than 10 years.
Checkers Outdoor Paardevlei is an adventurer’s playground, perfect for those seeking the best camping equipment, outdoor gadgets and braai accessories at affordable prices.
Featuring the region’s first Beauty Hall and introducing the innovative Little Me shop-in-shop concept, Medirite Plus Paardevlei is a leading health and wellness destination, offering an accessible range of wellness, personal care, baby products, fragrances, and skincare.
Trading hours for Checkers and Checkers Outdoor Paardevlei are from 08:00 – 20:00, Mondays to Sundays. Medirite Plus Paardevlei is open from 09:00 – 21:00, Mondays to Fridays, and 09:00 – 19:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Conclusion
The Paardevlei Centre is a prime example of how history can be preserved while fostering a modern community. It is a place where the past and present coexist, creating a unique environment that honours its industrial heritage while offering contemporary amenities and services.
The Shoprite Group’s dedication to preserving the site’s history while providing a vibrant community space is evident in every aspect of the Paardevlei Centre.
