Bruma is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. In the 1990s Bruma was well known for South Africa's first manmade lake-side shopping centre, and for its popular African curios and crafts market which attracted tourists and day visitors from around the country. As a popular entertainment destination Bruma boasted many activities and a plethora of restaurants and retail stores. Many of South Africa's large restaurant chain stores can find their routes at the then called Fishermans Village. Well remembered restaurants and entertainment venues included Late Night Al's, Norma Jeans Diner, The Grillhouse, Maresol, Helen of Troy, Johnny Rockets, Cocktails and The Magic Company. Other well-known stores were The Spy Shop, Sweets from Heaven, Woolworths Foods, The Swatch Shop, the current Caltex Fuel station and many more.
In 2015, the City of Johannesburg spearheaded the rehabilitation of the Bruma Lake precinct and created a platform for businesses and properties to once again flourish in the Bruma CBD. The new Bruma Lake Park was created and the Bruma bridge refurbished at a cost of R80 million.
Currently Bruma Lifestyle Centre is situated adjacent to the new Bruma Lake Park. Originally a buzzing cosmopolitan retail centre with restaurants, entertainment and shopping the centre deteriorated due to several contributing factors.
Currently plans are underway to develop the existing Bruma Lifestyle Centre. The NEW Bruma centre will be known as CHROMA – meaning colour in Greek. It will depict the beauty of life in South Africa as well as the diversity of cultures in our beautiful country. In addition, the development will boast a new landmark known as the CHROMA TOWER – an African tower of light and colour that will intensify the skyline of Johannesburg. This new and exciting development was announced in conjunction with the launch of the New Bruma Lake Park by COJ in 2016. It was greatly received with overwhelming support.