#Focac: Johannesburg - In yet a further advancement of the new R85 billion Zendai “city” – previously known as Modderfontein – Zendai Development South Africa (ZDSA) and AdvTech’s Schools Division have signed an agreement securing the establishment of Founders Hill College in Modderfontein.
This follows the recent announcement of the start of construction of its flagship luxury residential project The Centenary, which is to be developed as part of Modderfontein New City.
The Centenary will cover approximately 12 hectares and will be developed in phases.
Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of next year and be completed in early 2017.
Over the next 15 to 20 years, Zendai plans to transform the 1 600ha of land it acquired in 2013 into a smart and sustainable metropolis.
The new school, which opens next month, will initially cater for grades 0 to 4 and has more than 100 pupils registered. The full offering caters for 1 500 pupils pupils from Grade 0 to matric.
Modderfontein New City’s master plan outlines several key districts, including a fully fledged education precinct that will host and support crèche-to-career-type institutions.
“Schools in our country are more than just bricks-and-mortar structures,” says AdvTech’s Alex Isaakidis, the chief executive of the Schools Division. “They are about building strong communities so all the children can get the best possible start in life. By investing in the education precinct, we are investing in our country’s future.”
Anthony Diepenbroek, the ZDSA chief executive, says the New City will serve a diverse student population at various life stages.
“We want the community to know that their educational needs for college and career remains top of mind to us.”
Modderfontein is a fast-growing node, given its proximity to travel hubs and highways. The growth is set to accelerate as the project nears completion and close to 100 000 new residents are housed there.
It is, therefore, important to provide the facilities such as schools, Diepenbroek says.
A Gautrain station platform has been constructed, and Diepenbroek says Zendai is reviewing the transport master plan for the new town.
“This includes negotiations and engagements with role-players on the construction of the station, continued engagement with the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the relevant provincial authorities on the development of new roads within Modderfontein and links into surrounding road and transport networks, such as Metro buses,” he said.
The aim is to promote public transport hubs, bus, cycling and walking routes.
Included in the plans are a town centre, housing, schools, churches, a library, a hospital and medical facilities, a sports and international conference and exhibition centre, a range of housing, a light industrial park, educational facilities, community offices and a business, trade and logistics park.
There will be new retail centres, low-cost housing and a tourism component, which will include an art museum.
THE STAR