IA modern R200 million urban space emerges in Soweto
The landscape of the Nancefield Station-Orlando East-Noordgesig Precinct in Soweto is rapidly transforming into a “brand new and environmentally sustainable area” that will attract private investors and create hundreds of job and business opportunities for local residents and entrepreneurs.
The R200 million transit-oriented development project is aligned to the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040 (GDS 2040) as well as its Integrated Development Programme.
It is one of the projects identified by the City as part of an initiative aimed at “creating a restructured space economy that gives poor households better access to well-located accommodation, jobs and markets”.
The 35km-long project links Orlando Stadium with Sofasonke Mpanza Street and Vilakazi Street, which is famous for once having two Nobel Peace laureates as residents – the late former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – as well as for its world-class restaurants and pubs. It stretches to Chris Hani Road and Klipspruit Valley Road and Maponya Mall.
“So far the project has created employment for 80 people and more jobs are expected after completion,” says Thando Ntoyi, a Development Manager at the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), which is overseeing the multi-million rand project.
Ntoyi adds that the project is now 65% complete. It is scheduled to be handed over to municipal-owned entities such as the Johannesburg Road Agency, City Power and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo in December.
The development concept for the precinct was approved by the City of Johannesburg in July 2010 after it had been allocated a multiyear capital grant by the Department of Human Settlements under the Urban Settlements Development Grant. The City then identified the area as suitable for high-density residential accommodation that complements the public transport facilities in the area.
Ntoyi says the project includes the upgrading of Tsolo Road as a link to Nancefield Station, as a focal point and a safe environment.
The broader vision of the Nancefield Precinct is to ensure that:
It is the business heart of the Nancefield area that also provides an opportunity for residential development appealing to diverse range of people;
It offers high-quality urban environment with social and educational facilities, quality open spaces and ample entertainment opportunities;
It serves as a key transportation transit point for the Klipspruit area as well as a destination of choice, where people would want to walk in the streets; and
It showcases best urban management practices – clean and safe, with strong by-law enforcement and maintenance of public space.
After completion, says Ntoyi, the precinct will be a better and safer neighbourhood with a potential to attract economic development and support future mixed-use developments.
He says pedestrian movement will be eased, enabling development partnerships to be formed and the delivery of coordinated municipal services, community facilities and sustainable human settlements to take place in an innovative and equitable manner.
“JDA and other City agents are already in the process of implementing projects to upgrade streets and create better provision for non-motorised transport and complete streets.”