Pretoria - The city centre’s radical rejuvenation continues to gain momentum and, in a few years’ time, the capital is destined to become a wonderful place in which to live, shop, work and play.
The City of Tshwane is leading the revolution with projects like West Capital including Schubart Park, East Capital, A Re Yeng, Cultural/Times Square Precinct, Government Boulevard and Tshwane House.
Head of the City Property development and management group Jeffrey Wapnick said people were flocking to CBDs the world over to seek financial opportunities – and South Africa and Tshwane were no different.
Wapnick was upbeat about City Property’s three projects – two brand new and another a conversion of an existing building – that will bring almost a 1 000 housing units to the CBD, as well as retailers.
The old Centre Forum, diagonally opposite Tshwane House on Lillian Ngoyi Street, near its intersection with Johannes Ramokhoase and Struben Street, is being demolished. The centre will rise again in 2017 with a new name.
The 3 800m² property was originally a car dealership. It was converted into a retail development before being acquired by City Property. The centre was not in a good condition and needed a makeover.
When the dust settles, the new development will have 400 residential units as well as quality retail outlets anchored by a mega Checkers store. It will have an entertainment section consisting of a braai area and mini soccer pitch.
“The opening of Checkers will continue the trend we have seen in recent years where major retailers are opening stores in the city centre, having previously left,” Wapnik said.
“Pretoria is home to government and educational institutions, giving the city an advantage over other metros. People coming here must be provided with spaces to play, eat and stay.”
Wapnik was full of praise of the informal traders and taxi associations who moved their operations from near the construction site.
KFC, which also made way for the construction, will return when the new building opens.
However, its new outlet near the intersection of Thabo Sehume and Johannes Ramokhoase streets will remain open.
Not too far away on Madiba Street – opposite the Pretoria News offices – 1 on Mutual is gradually taking shape.
The new retail and residential development will have 466 housing units, a retail component and covered parking for 300 cars.
It is scheduled for completion in April next year.
The old Home Affairs Department building in Pretorius Street is being converted into a 100-unit residential complex to be completed in August this year. It will be known as Centrakor.
Wapnik spoke passionately of their new initiative, 012 central market at 385 Helen Joseph Street, held once a month. The next market opens on Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Another initiative is open-air movies on the roof of the Nedbank building. This draws a minimum of 100 people for each screening, held every second Wednesday night.
The construction of the city centre leg of the A Re Yeng bus rapid transit is also edging closer to completion.
Operation Reclaim, Tshwane’s initiative to make the city centre friendly to pedestrians, is almost complete. This is despite contractual delays and irritation to businesses and motorists caused by road closures and related traffic congestion.
Work on the West Capital project has started, with site establishment and offices as well as clearing of all loose building material and rubble.
Chief executive officer of the Capital City Business Chamber, Fanie du Plessis, said the return of retailers to the inner city was a positive move. He said most had previously left after struggling to attract business.
This, plus A Re Yeng and the imminent improvements at Church Square, would bring back life into the heart of the capital, Du Plessis said.
The West Capital project, with its planned student village, would bring more people to the city centre.
“Students and other tenants of existing and new buildings will need facilities like Church Square to be in tip-top shape and safe. This will contribute towards the upliftment of the city centre,” he added.
Pretoria News