joburg
January 20th, 2006, 09:27 AM
Orlando eKhaya - Soweto
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Construction of the R1-billion Orlando eKhaya development is expected to begin n July. As the highest profile investment project in Soweto, it is sure to change the face of the city that houses 3m people. From landmarks, to hotels and conference facilities, the mixed-use project has to be one of the biggest projects the whole country has ever seen.
'The project "will include a new convenience retail strip on Old Potch Road,'' says Alan Dinnie, Orlando Ekhaya project manager. ''A new railway line and station will also be constructed.''
To ensure the precinct is ''proudly Sowetan'', all developments will be undertaken by consortia with a minimum 35 percent black economic empowerment (BEE) shareholding and by Soweto-based business.
Orlando Power Station - a lifestyle center
It is not the first time that plans to revamp the power station have been put forward. The Orlando Power Station was a source of electricity for Johannesburg suburbs for years, until the plant was closed down because of high operational costs.
In 2002 there were proposals to turn the power station building, now derelict but described as a ''magnificent structure'', into a museum celebrating the social and political history of Soweto. Those plans, however, fell through.
Under the present plans the power station building will be turned into a massive retail centre at a cost of more than R500 000. The existing building will be converted into a mixed-use development comprising of 24 000m² of retail shops, 14 000m² of office space and 14 000m² of stylish loft apartments.
In order to retain the heritage value of the building, the structure will be incorporated into the redevelopment.
The shops will be ''lifestyle and destination focused'' to pander to the ''coffee culture''. Plans to develop a new jazz club based on the rich traditions of jazz in Orlando are being investigated by Dijalo Property Services and Old Mutual Properties.
''After the conversion, the power station will rival other international power station conversions like the Tate Modern Museum in London,'' Dinnie says.
''This mixed-use development is probably the largest being considered in South Africa and will provide an opportunity for people to live, work and play in a unique and desirable location.''
A consortium comprising of Old Mutual Properties, Standard Bank, Linsela Holdings and a new BEE trust to be formed out of Soweto-based businesses, will redevelop the building.
Orlando housing
Construction of 700 two- and three-bedroom middle-income houses by Katavi Housing, an empowerment group, is scheduled to begin in April 2006.
The group is expected to come up with a townhouse development ''authentically Soweto while remaining aspirational, rather than continuing the trend of importing designs from foreign countries'', according to Dinnie.
After completion, units are expected to sell from R200 000 to R400 000 each.
In addition, 250 units will be built as social housing by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joscho).
Extreme Heights Centre
The two Orlando Power Station cooling towers will get a new, mind-boggling development - the two brightly painted towers, which rise 100m above the ground, will be developed into a permanent Extreme Heights Centre featuring the only bungee jump in the world to be performed inside a building structure.
There will also be rock climbing and abseiling activities that will give extreme sports fanatics a chance to test their nerves.
A viewing platform will be built around the rim of the towers giving visitors a stunning view of Soweto and the surround area. A plan is under way to open the centre temporarily towards the end of 2006.
Elangeni
In another first for Soweto, a permanent outdoor events stage will be developed on the south shore of Orlando Dam. The 30 000 capacity venue will be developed at a cost of R100-million by a consortium of Soweto businessmen, event organisers Elangeni Property Investment and the JPC.
Based on the success of the popular annual Spice Gold Beach Party, which draws more than 30 000 revellers each year, the facility will include three restaurants, one to be developed in partnership with local shebeen owners, and a conference centre. There is a possibility that Jozi FM, Soweto's community radio station, may find its new home at the venue as well.
Once complete, Minanawe, the Spice Gold Beach Party organisers, hope to use the venue for regular performances by local and international artists.
The dam is also a popular resort for canoeing and other water sports. A clubhouse to host the existing Soweto Canoe Club and other water-based activities, will be incorporated in the development.
Dinnie says the venue is expected to be completed in time for the 2008 beach party.
University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus
Formerly known as Vista University, the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus will be expanded to incorporate Sontonga Koppie as part of the Orlando Ekhaya developments.
The university ''will ensure a carefully planned ecological and pedestrian link between the koppie and the dam'', Dinnie says.
''Visitors to Orlando will be able to enjoy both of these natural marvels in a single integrated experience … It is exciting that within two years Soweto will boast a world-class destination that will signify the transformation of South African townships into vibrant cities.''
Gugu Mazibuko, the managing director of the JPC, says the Orlando Ekhaya project is the most ambitious ever to be undertaken in Soweto.
''[Orlando Ekhaya] will transform the area into a sought-after destination for investment, business and tourism.''
South Shore Park
This site is centred on the Orlando Dam, Soweto's largest, oldest and most well-known dam. Proposals are sought for the development of a highly profile 40ha regional park. This will form the focus of the node and will consist of a continuous open space network, surrounding the actual dam.
Waterfront
A 5ha area comprising of a boulevard, restaurant, boat club, stage, amphitheatre and amusement park. This part of the park will be the most intensively developed section and will provide an interface between the dam and the shopping centre.
Wetlands conservation area
Proposals are being called for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of this 11ha as a wetland conservation area which will serve both environmental conservation and education purposes.
Market Gardens project
This 25ha area has been set aside for the development of an community based urban agriculture project which will serve the adjoining communities. This 25ha area has been set aside for the development of an community based urban agriculture project which will serve the adjoining communities.
Proposed Erf 121
This 1ha business or community facility site is located directly to the north of the Orlando Dam flood plain, at the intersection of two planned major roads, As the site is prominent and highly visible, the development should entail some form of landmark.
Vista Link
This site consists of the lower reaches of Vista Koppie and adjoins the Old Potchefstroom Road to the south, which gives the site both high visibility and excellent access. The site has magnificent views over the Orlando Dam towards the power station and cooling towers. Because it serves a critical ecological function in relation to Vista Koppie and the dam, development of the site must be limited and environmentally sensitive.
Proposed Erf 259
This 2ha site is situated on the northern bank of Orlando with dramatic views over the dam to Vista. The site will gain access via the proposed Heroes Bridge, which will link the Orlando Dam flood plain to the Old Potchefstroom Road. The site links with the Orlando Power Station site and is considered to be ideally suited to the development of a hotel, conference facility or similar use.
Orlando Wedge
This 1ha site is located at the intersection of the Old Potchefstroom and Nicholas Roads and is possibly the vest located and visible parcel of land in the Precinct. Because of its prominent location, development on this site must provide the Precinct with a unique, high quality landmark.
"This project will change the way in which people view Soweto. It will be a destination not only for Johannesburg and South Africa, but for the rest of the World as well. There is great potential for foreign investment because Soweto is an internationally recognized brand and this development offers an opportunity to get involved in the highest profile project in Soweto," Alan Dinnie said.
http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2006/jan/Orlandomap.jpg
CLICK HERE TO SEE LARGER IMAGE (http://www.jhbproperty.co.za/imgs/orlando-ekhaya-concept-mast.jpg)
http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2006/jan/OrlandoPlaza.jpg
http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2006/jan/OrlandoTowers.jpg
Construction of the R1-billion Orlando eKhaya development is expected to begin n July. As the highest profile investment project in Soweto, it is sure to change the face of the city that houses 3m people. From landmarks, to hotels and conference facilities, the mixed-use project has to be one of the biggest projects the whole country has ever seen.
'The project "will include a new convenience retail strip on Old Potch Road,'' says Alan Dinnie, Orlando Ekhaya project manager. ''A new railway line and station will also be constructed.''
To ensure the precinct is ''proudly Sowetan'', all developments will be undertaken by consortia with a minimum 35 percent black economic empowerment (BEE) shareholding and by Soweto-based business.
Orlando Power Station - a lifestyle center
It is not the first time that plans to revamp the power station have been put forward. The Orlando Power Station was a source of electricity for Johannesburg suburbs for years, until the plant was closed down because of high operational costs.
In 2002 there were proposals to turn the power station building, now derelict but described as a ''magnificent structure'', into a museum celebrating the social and political history of Soweto. Those plans, however, fell through.
Under the present plans the power station building will be turned into a massive retail centre at a cost of more than R500 000. The existing building will be converted into a mixed-use development comprising of 24 000m² of retail shops, 14 000m² of office space and 14 000m² of stylish loft apartments.
In order to retain the heritage value of the building, the structure will be incorporated into the redevelopment.
The shops will be ''lifestyle and destination focused'' to pander to the ''coffee culture''. Plans to develop a new jazz club based on the rich traditions of jazz in Orlando are being investigated by Dijalo Property Services and Old Mutual Properties.
''After the conversion, the power station will rival other international power station conversions like the Tate Modern Museum in London,'' Dinnie says.
''This mixed-use development is probably the largest being considered in South Africa and will provide an opportunity for people to live, work and play in a unique and desirable location.''
A consortium comprising of Old Mutual Properties, Standard Bank, Linsela Holdings and a new BEE trust to be formed out of Soweto-based businesses, will redevelop the building.
Orlando housing
Construction of 700 two- and three-bedroom middle-income houses by Katavi Housing, an empowerment group, is scheduled to begin in April 2006.
The group is expected to come up with a townhouse development ''authentically Soweto while remaining aspirational, rather than continuing the trend of importing designs from foreign countries'', according to Dinnie.
After completion, units are expected to sell from R200 000 to R400 000 each.
In addition, 250 units will be built as social housing by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joscho).
Extreme Heights Centre
The two Orlando Power Station cooling towers will get a new, mind-boggling development - the two brightly painted towers, which rise 100m above the ground, will be developed into a permanent Extreme Heights Centre featuring the only bungee jump in the world to be performed inside a building structure.
There will also be rock climbing and abseiling activities that will give extreme sports fanatics a chance to test their nerves.
A viewing platform will be built around the rim of the towers giving visitors a stunning view of Soweto and the surround area. A plan is under way to open the centre temporarily towards the end of 2006.
Elangeni
In another first for Soweto, a permanent outdoor events stage will be developed on the south shore of Orlando Dam. The 30 000 capacity venue will be developed at a cost of R100-million by a consortium of Soweto businessmen, event organisers Elangeni Property Investment and the JPC.
Based on the success of the popular annual Spice Gold Beach Party, which draws more than 30 000 revellers each year, the facility will include three restaurants, one to be developed in partnership with local shebeen owners, and a conference centre. There is a possibility that Jozi FM, Soweto's community radio station, may find its new home at the venue as well.
Once complete, Minanawe, the Spice Gold Beach Party organisers, hope to use the venue for regular performances by local and international artists.
The dam is also a popular resort for canoeing and other water sports. A clubhouse to host the existing Soweto Canoe Club and other water-based activities, will be incorporated in the development.
Dinnie says the venue is expected to be completed in time for the 2008 beach party.
University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus
Formerly known as Vista University, the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus will be expanded to incorporate Sontonga Koppie as part of the Orlando Ekhaya developments.
The university ''will ensure a carefully planned ecological and pedestrian link between the koppie and the dam'', Dinnie says.
''Visitors to Orlando will be able to enjoy both of these natural marvels in a single integrated experience … It is exciting that within two years Soweto will boast a world-class destination that will signify the transformation of South African townships into vibrant cities.''
Gugu Mazibuko, the managing director of the JPC, says the Orlando Ekhaya project is the most ambitious ever to be undertaken in Soweto.
''[Orlando Ekhaya] will transform the area into a sought-after destination for investment, business and tourism.''
South Shore Park
This site is centred on the Orlando Dam, Soweto's largest, oldest and most well-known dam. Proposals are sought for the development of a highly profile 40ha regional park. This will form the focus of the node and will consist of a continuous open space network, surrounding the actual dam.
Waterfront
A 5ha area comprising of a boulevard, restaurant, boat club, stage, amphitheatre and amusement park. This part of the park will be the most intensively developed section and will provide an interface between the dam and the shopping centre.
Wetlands conservation area
Proposals are being called for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of this 11ha as a wetland conservation area which will serve both environmental conservation and education purposes.
Market Gardens project
This 25ha area has been set aside for the development of an community based urban agriculture project which will serve the adjoining communities. This 25ha area has been set aside for the development of an community based urban agriculture project which will serve the adjoining communities.
Proposed Erf 121
This 1ha business or community facility site is located directly to the north of the Orlando Dam flood plain, at the intersection of two planned major roads, As the site is prominent and highly visible, the development should entail some form of landmark.
Vista Link
This site consists of the lower reaches of Vista Koppie and adjoins the Old Potchefstroom Road to the south, which gives the site both high visibility and excellent access. The site has magnificent views over the Orlando Dam towards the power station and cooling towers. Because it serves a critical ecological function in relation to Vista Koppie and the dam, development of the site must be limited and environmentally sensitive.
Proposed Erf 259
This 2ha site is situated on the northern bank of Orlando with dramatic views over the dam to Vista. The site will gain access via the proposed Heroes Bridge, which will link the Orlando Dam flood plain to the Old Potchefstroom Road. The site links with the Orlando Power Station site and is considered to be ideally suited to the development of a hotel, conference facility or similar use.
Orlando Wedge
This 1ha site is located at the intersection of the Old Potchefstroom and Nicholas Roads and is possibly the vest located and visible parcel of land in the Precinct. Because of its prominent location, development on this site must provide the Precinct with a unique, high quality landmark.
"This project will change the way in which people view Soweto. It will be a destination not only for Johannesburg and South Africa, but for the rest of the World as well. There is great potential for foreign investment because Soweto is an internationally recognized brand and this development offers an opportunity to get involved in the highest profile project in Soweto," Alan Dinnie said.