JDA reconfiguring the inner city through multiple projects
09 March 2017
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure development entity, on Wednesday March 8 showcased some of the latest developments and projects it is spearheading to turn the Johannesburg inner city into a liveable urban space and an attractive investment destination.
The developments and projects were unpacked during a tour of the area, which has in the recent past been plagued by capital flight, urban decay, crime and grime.
The day-long tour included a drive through Braamfontein and walkabouts at Maboneng Precinct, Museum of African Design, Hallmark House, Jeppe Post Office and the Nando’s headquarters in Lorentzville. As a result of the various strategic development and investment interventions, the inner city is re-emerging as an economically productive and attractive area for both locals and visitors.
The developments and projects are taking place around the Park Station Precinct, Westgate Precinct (in the southwestern corner of the inner city, including Ferreirasdorp) and the Inner City Eastern Gateway Precinct (including Judiths Paarl, Berea and Lorentzville) over the next three years.
“As JDA we are committed to developing and improving the inner in a manner that achieves balance and supports the interweb of connections that exist the among users of the inner city – small and big retailers, residents, commuters, consumers, employment seekers and workers,” said Nicolette Pingo, JDA’s Manager of Facilitation and Management.
“These precincts are ripe for development and investment,” said Pingo.
She said more than R200-million had been budgeted for inner city infrastructure development projects in the 2016-2017 financial year and a further R116-million in the 2017-2018 period.
The projects include:
• The development of the Johannesburg Inner City Park in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and the private sector;
• Improvements to the inner city “green spine” – the End Street Park;
• Improving links between transport nodes;
• Completion of the Kaserne Intermodal Terminal by June 2018;
• Development of several housing projects; and
• Development of the Jeppe Park, which starts in June 2017.
Maboneng’s latest development has taken a fresh approach to container usage by developer Nutek, which is using containers for retail developments.
Drive Lines, on the other hand, will develop a 100-unit residential apartment building complete with a ground floor pool, greenery and a gym.
Hallmark House, dubbed “the most iconic building on the eastern edge of Johannesburg”, offers an exclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It includes 16 rooms at the Hallmark House Hotel, a trendy apartment, retail and entertainment venues, a rooftop spa, gym and a venue for hire. The project is due for completing within the next two months.
The Jeppe Post Office development, which is expected to commence within the next two months, will include the preservation of several heritage elements, refurbishment of the building and development of residential apartments.
The Nando’s headquarters on Victoria Road in Lorentzville is a hidden gem on the eastern fringes of the city. Originally a warehouse, the 30-year-old building has been transformed into magnificent modern offices with stunning features and views of the city.
The development includes an eclectic and exciting art collection and complimentary design features, a gym, food laboratory, retail space and an eatery.
“There’s so much energy and exciting opportunities unfolding in the inner city. It is a collective effort that’s going to make Johannesburg the city we wish to create – inclusive, economically productive, safe and sustainable,” said Pingo.