#Rosebank Precinct - Mixed Use - ?F - Johannesburg

[joburg]

Name: Rosebank mixed-use development
Location: Johannesburg
Floors: ?
Type: Mixed Use (Commerical, Retail, Residential, Hotel)
Completion Date: Mid 2009

Rosebank Precinct

http://img.photojerk.com/joburg/rosebank000.jpg

Project description

The commercial precinct in Rosebank is to undergo a facelift.

The mixed-use development will comprise:


Retail Space
160 Room hotel
Four level Basement Parking Garage
Loft Offices


The new precinct has been planned with the Gautrain in mind.

The development by the Old Mutual Property Group is on a site on Tyrwhitt Mall and Cradock avenue, and is bordered by the Hyatt hotel and The Firs and The Zone @ Rosebank shopping centres.

A 114-unit residential tower block on the north-western side of the site is being planned for a future phase of the development.

Value

R623-million.

Duration

The Old Mutual Property Group expects to complete construction of the basement parking in the second half of 2008, and the retail and loft offices in mid-2009.

The hotel is scheduled for completion in April 2010.

Latest developments

Five buildings, Admirals Court, Rosebank Boulevard, Oxford Corner, Knightsbridge, and the former Fournos Bakery building, owned by Old Mutual, are being demolished to make way for the new development.

[joburg]

JOHANNESBURG’S ROSEBANK SET FOR R623 MILLION BOOST
PUBLISHED 14 DEC 2006

The commercial precinct in Rosebank, Johannesburg is set for a major boost. Construction of a R623 million mixed use development comprising retail space, a 160-room hotel, a four-level basement parking garage and loft offices is set to begin early in 2007.

The development by Old Mutual Property Group is on a site on Tyrwhitt Mall and Cradock Avenue and is bordered by the Hyatt Hotel and The Firs and The Zone@ Rosebank shopping centres.

“The development is part of a phased precinct strategy by Old Mutual Property Group, “ says Brent Wiltshire, business development executive of the group. “It will also take advantage of the opportunities presented by having a Gautrain station as part of the offering. “

Pedestrian entrances to the underground Gautrain station for Rosebank will be located at Tyrwhitt Mall and in front of The Zone building on Oxford Road.

Wiltshire says a 114-unit residential tower block on the north-western side of the site is being planned for a future phase of the development.

“The construction of the Gautrain Rosebank station, the upgrade of The Firs by Investec and the proposed redevelopment of The Galleria by the Catalyst group all indicate the time is right for this project. Our intention is to upgrade the area in conjunction with Investec and Catalyst and to encourage pedestrian flow, creating an urban precinct that triggers uplifting of Rosebank in general. “

Wiltshire says the design for the development extends the retail flavour of The Zone and offers something special in the form of a luxury boutique hotel. The hotel, to be leased by LEH, a newly established group, will integrate with the retail component through sharing of common areas and basement parking.

“The upmarket residential apartments in a future phase will complement the existing apartment blocks in the area. They will help cater for the anticipated change in Rosebank as a result of the introduction of the Gautrain station in Oxford Road.

"The aim is to create a lifestyle centre that satisfies a combination of living requirements and complements nearby developments. The ground floor retail area will offer homeware, fashion and restaurants opening onto a courtyard. The first floor will allow for restaurants and extend the fashion mix in The Zone.”

Debbie Caplin, the project leader for Old Mutual Property Group, says the loft office units above the retail area will offer an upmarket studio environment and will be targeted at professional practices and clothing designers.

Five buildings owned by Old Mutual in Rosebank, Johannesburg, are being demolished for the development. Tenants have been given notice to vacate Admirals Court, Rosebank Boulevard, Oxford Corner, Knightsbridge and the former Fournos Bakery building.

The demolitions will follow a R20,6 million refurbishment at The Zone @ Rosebank. A key part of the work is a reconfigured entrance to the underground parking from Oxford Road to allow for two entry lanes instead of one and improve access into the parking garage in the face of Oxford Road closure and diversions as a result of the Gautrain-related work.

Caplin says the development will be phased.

“It is hoped to complete construction of the basement parking in the second half of 2008, and of the retail and loft offices in mid-2009. The hotel is scheduled for completion in April 2010.”

[joburg]

http://img.photojerk.com/joburg/Photo-1082.jpg

Proof in the pudding for you all.

[Jakes1]

HAHa! Go Rosebank! I know that the mixed use tower will only be added at a later phase, but this is going to make rosebank even more exciting. The hotel is refurbished, street life increasing, and they are going to start building loads of apartments there soon!

[Pule]

I remember this development. I will be great especillay as it will be intergrated with the gautrain station.

[joburg]

This development is still being dug out.... The Grand Hyatt really does have a gorgeous view, doesn't it? As do the restaurants at the Zone.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/joburgboy/Photo-0013.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g102/joburgboy/Photo-0012.jpg

[Jakes1]

Sjoe, why go to Kimberley if you can admire the hole from your hotel... They cant be too happy. but development comes at a cost, and as soon as it is done they will all be laughing on their way to the bank.

[Pule]

I had forgotten about this one, I will try to go check how far they are and bring photos.

[Pule]

Is the Firs part of this, there's too many developments taking place in this precinct.

[joburg]

No the Firs is still intact, and Katz's is stll rocking. It's become almost exclusively connected to the Hyatt.

[Pule]

^^ thanks Tom, I see First will be completed early next year and the renders shown there are rockas. There's another development oppisite Hyatt, its now on second floor, do you have any info?

[Luf]

No the Firs is still intact, and Katz's is stll rocking. It's become almost exclusively connected to the Hyatt.

whats Katzs mate? havent partyed in rosebank for a while now.

[joburg]

There's another development oppisite Hyatt, its now on second floor, do you have any info?


No info I'm afraid.... Wonder what it will be? I just know the boutique hotel opposite the station that has been put on hold because of the construction.

Katz isn't really a party place. It's a jazz bar for ppl who drinks whiskies and smoke cigars. The place i like going to is the Grillhouse which is sort of attached to it. Such good steaks :)

There is also a restaurant that has opened at the bottom of Rosebank (Jan Smuts side) that is I think called Louis XIV. As I understand it, this is a completely over the top French restaurant where waiters serve you foie gras in period costume.... erm...

[KomSakkie]

^^
I think this article refers to the development mentioned above.

Originally posted by Pule

R500m invested in Rosebank node
2008/08/18

Investec Property has invested R500m into the Rosebank node with its acquisition and redevelopment of a shopping centre, offices and a hotel.

The redevelopment will bring 5,500sqm of specialty retail and restaurant space on stream, along with 10,000sqm of premier offices, ideal for international business people and clients. A key attraction of the redevelopment will be the restaurant piazza at the heart of The Firs shopping centre.

"The Firs will offer discerning customers white table-cloth dining at a selection of handpicked restaurants," says Investec Property's managing director Sam Leon.

"A restaurant façade will be created leading into the mall as part of the new design."

Regular patrons of the established and popular Katzy's and The Grill House needn't worry though – these two fixtures will stay exactly where they are and expanding their operations to make full use of restaurant piazza.

The soon-to-be-built Rosebank Gautrain station is driving a flurry of new development in the node, as is the Rosebank Urban Development Framework, recently approved by the City of Johannesburg.

"Rosebank is evolving into a higher-density, mixed-use transport node with a keen focus on pedestrian and street-level interaction," explains Leon.

According to the Rosebank Management District, examples of other activity in the node include the proposed mixed-use precinct planned by Standard Bank between Bolton Road, Bath Avenue, Baker Street and Oxford Road; and the R623m second phase of The Zone, which will bring additional retail, loft offices and a 160-room hotel on stream.

The second phase of The Zone is linked for pedestrians to The Firs to create one indivisible flow. The link will be opened on completion of The Zone phase.

Tiber Property Group is developing a six-storey building with offices, showrooms and cafés on Oxford Road opposite The Hyatt.

For more information contact Sam Leon on 011 286 7704.

[KomSakkie]

Then I remembered reading about a new Investec Property development behind the Firs......

Its the second from the top

http://www.samapping.co.za/SAMCO%20Report%20Downloads/p42%20Investec%20Property.pdf

Sorry that its a link.....I'm having problems pulling the render off it......perhaps we shouls start a thread for this and some recent photos?

[KomSakkie]

OK so here we have it....I think it looks prity good....

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh140/KomSakkie/Rosebank.jpg?t=1220302204
The red box is where i think it is about.....could extend into the car park I can't remember.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh140/KomSakkie/Rosebank2.jpg?t=1220302223

[Xavixav]

No sign of residential apartments though, which is a pity. Why doesn't Investec just take advantage of the increased height limit within the Rosebank precinct to build a cool 14 floors residential tower on top of that building? They're missing the point if they're trying to build yet another 3 storeys office building just like everywhere in the northern suburbs (and everywhere in Rosebank)? Disappointing.:ohno:

[Pule]

^^ If I'm not mistaten, there will be residential around that precinct.


There's an Art gallery next to the Firs, every time I passed there on a bus I just imagine a futuristic design taking shape there. I hope that will happen in future. I haven't seen any futuristic art gallery in cities like Jozi, Durbs and CT. It would be nice to have one.

[dysan1]

very nice looking render. i do agree that this precinct should also be making a bit more use of height. i would not want to see 20F towers here, but a big chunk of mixed use in the 7-12F range would be great for the atmosphere

[joburg]

Thanks KS! You've become quite the information-digger for Joburg! ;)
I also think it looks good. Disappointed too that it isn't higher, of course, but it's still quite nice.

[Pule]

OK so here we have it....I think it looks prity good....

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh140/KomSakkie/Rosebank.jpg?t=1220302204
The red box is where i think it is about.....could extend into the car park I can't remember.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh140/KomSakkie/Rosebank2.jpg?t=1220302223

Thanks to DB for sending me this pics.

The brown building with greyish balcony is being connected to the one that is constructed at red marked square. That brown building is also being revamped and I think its gonna adopt same architecture as the new building.

On the vacant land, on the middle right of the pic, next to the building with green roof, there's also a bulding under construction. That's the one I asked Tom about.

[Xavixav]

^^ If I'm not mistaten, there will be residential around that precinct.


There's an Art gallery next to the Firs, every time I passed there on a bus I just imagine a futuristic design taking shape there. I hope that will happen in future. I haven't seen any futuristic art gallery in cities like Jozi, Durbs and CT. It would be nice to have one.

Totally agree: quality architecture is the key to a successful densification.
The only well designed modern building in that area is Cradock Heights (cnr Tyrwhitt & Cradock avenues). Also in Tyrwhitt avenue, the renovated art deco yellow block of flats, quite nice.

I find the Investec render tasteless, boring and out of place. Rosebank has been designed for mixed-use, i.e. also for people to live in. Even a few well designed residential penthouses on top would do the area a lot of good. Can developers understand that?

[Pule]

New site for sale
03 Sep 2008 - Inet Bridge -

Intro
A new development site in Rosebank is being brought to market.

A NEW development site in Rosebank suitable for a building of 50000m² 75000m² is being brought to market and should generate interest among developers keen to get onto the Rosebank development train.

Property consultancy Bradford McCormack, acting for the site’s owners and looking to tender it for development, says the site has rights for mixed-use development such as offices, retail, residential, parking and a hotel.

Director Andrew Bradford says the site on Oxford Road opposite the Park Hyatt Hotel and 100m from the new Gautrain station, is 10600m². It consists of four stands with the potential for a 20-storey structure.

“You may build to a maximum of 150000m², but this would not be practical. Realistically, a developer could build a scheme of 50000m² to 75000m²,” says Bradford.

The property is owned by a private company, Henque 2201.

Source: Business Day

[Xavixav]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankproject.jpg

Rosebank construction update

The construction of offices currently underway on Oxford Road between Biermann and Jellicoe Avenue opposite the Hyatt Hotel and The Firs shopping centre is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupation in December 2009. Tiber Projects (Pty) Ltd property manager Diane Impey said the building consists of approximately 8400 square metres of AAA Grade office space over 8 levels. "Provision has been made for two showroom/retail areas measuring approximately 306 and 229m. There will be ample basement and open parking." Impey said the building has been designed with a central atrium allowing for natural light to the central core. There is pedestrian access to Bierman Avenue and the parking access will be off Jellicoe Avenue. The development is within walking distance to the Rosebank Gautrain Station and bus and taxi routes.

[Xavixav]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankhotel.jpg

Rosebank hotel officially reopens

The Rosebank Hotel officially reopened its doors on 18 August 2008 after being closed for more than a year for a major refurbishment. The hotel's R120 million project to accommodate the structural upgrade and subsequent refurbishment is nearing completion. The buildings external works - including paving and the guard house on Bath Avenue should be completed by the end of September. The construction of the hotel's new health spa is underway and scheduled for completion in November. The hotel will also feature a business centre. In February 2006, the Hospitality Property Fund purchased the Rosebank Hotel along with 21 other hotels throughout South Africa.

[glyn_j]

Holy cow, thats ugly!

[Inertia]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankproject.jpg

Rosebank construction update

The construction of offices currently underway on Oxford Road between Biermann and Jellicoe Avenue opposite the Hyatt Hotel and The Firs shopping centre is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupation in December 2009. Tiber Projects (Pty) Ltd property manager Diane Impey said the building consists of approximately 8400 square metres of AAA Grade office space over 8 levels. "Provision has been made for two showroom/retail areas measuring approximately 306 and 229m. There will be ample basement and open parking." Impey said the building has been designed with a central atrium allowing for natural light to the central core. There is pedestrian access to Bierman Avenue and the parking access will be off Jellicoe Avenue. The development is within walking distance to the Rosebank Gautrain Station and bus and taxi routes.

That is hawt!!

[Lydon]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankproject.jpg


Oh yummy.

[waltjie]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankproject.jpg

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

[Luf]

Awsome!

[joburg]

nef. HIGHER, dammit, higher! ;)

[Pule]

Rosebank enjoys Gautrain boom

THERE is a development explosion taking place in Rosebank, with the catalyst being the Gautrain station that is taking shape in Oxford Road.

The question now is whether the Gautrain station will restore Rosebank, a popular mixed-use precinct in Johannesburg, to its former position as one of the top nodes in the city.


There appears to be far more development taking place in Rosebank than the more illustrious Sandton.

First National Bank property strategist John Loos says it is possible the growth in developments in Rosebank “is stronger or is set to be stronger than Sandton in the coming years because Rosebank comes off a much lower base”.



Loos says Rosebank had fallen into some neglect over the past few decades and that this has made it probably cheaper, on average, than Sandton from a property point of view.


“With Sandton being so expensive, it stands to reason that people would look for alternatives both from a business node point of view and residential node point of view, which still offer accessibility to Sandton and the CBD (central business district),” Loos says.

Loos believes that other stops along the Gautrain corridor are set to become popular places to live, as well as to set up offices because the Gautrain offers great accessibility to two of the country’s big business nodes, Sandton and the central business district.

“My view is that one will get a lot of developments and property values will sky rocket in years to come near the stops along the Gautrain line.”



Brian Azizollahoff, CEO of Redefine Income Fund, which previously had large property holdings in the area, says the company thinks Rosebank is an “area which is certainly going to show growth”.

“It’s going to be an important mixed-use node,” he says.

Azizollahoff says Redefine, which still owns the 2 Arnold Road office block in Rosebank, has also sold a number of properties to the likes of Standard Bank and Old Mutual.

“We sold Rosebank Arena to Standard Bank who are going to be doing a very large development for themselves. I believe it is going to be their regional head office building. We recently sold the Standard Bank branch building along Cradock (Avenue ) past the (Rosebank) mall. That we sold to Old Mutual.”

There are plans to create residential property all along the Gautrain route and he says Rosebank will be one of the main mixed-use precincts in Johannesburg. “It’s a well-established area with very good infrastructure. It’s not as dense as Sandton, for example. Access into and out of the area is easier than Sandton.” He says Rosebank has a “public green area” and mature vegetation with a lot of restaurants that spill onto the streets. This creates a “more cosmopolitan feel” in the area.

Erwin Rode, property economist at Rode & Associates, says that 20 to 25 years ago Rosebank was one of the top decentralised nodes in Johannesburg, but that about 10 years ago it had a slump caused by crime and grime.

“Since then it has never recovered its top spot although it has been stabilised and is to this day one of the top nodes. Now of course, the Gautrain station has given it another kick,” says Rode.

The problem looking into the long-term future of Rosebank is whether the station will continue to be a bonus because there is a danger that, like most stations in SA, it might attract more crime and grime.

“I know the Gautrain is planned to be an upmarket transport mode, but there is a real danger that eventually the train will be downgraded. It’s all dependent on what the Gautrain becomes. It could be a long-term support system but equally it could become a long-term underminer of the health of the node,” says Rode.

[KomSakkie]

I'm saying it....if we didn't do this these people (and others) would never get their infomation.

http://www.sandtonmag.co.za/pages/421483389/Articles/2008/September/news/rosebank-gets-2010-upgrade.asp

At least they source it from a good source......:)

[joburg]

lol i was thinking exactly the same thing! ;) The same with the editorial I posted in the Sandton thread. Spoke of 'rumours' about a 64-floor and an 80-floor in Sandton. :D

[Jakes1]

This one is up to a couple of levels now. The extension to the Zone is gathering pace - that is one gigantic excavation!

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01516.jpg

Digging
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01515.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01513.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01514.jpg

Hild architects, we should push them for renders... I have no idea what to expect. Rosebank is flush with construction cranes and equipment at this stage.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01512.jpg

[Pule]

^^ passed one of buildings today Jakes, its up to 4 floors in less than 6 weeks, dman that's fast.

[waltjie]

Guys, girls and gays... what is happening on the corner of Oxford and Bolton?? Where the VW dealership and the caltex garage was?? Only saw yesterday the entire place is being demolished... and that is a HUGE site!!

[wobdog]

Jo Waltjie - Stabndard Bank own the site and kicked out the VW dealership. They own the whole block (the block between Oxford, Bolton, Craddock and Baker) and are developing this site into their Gauteng regional office. Understand they want to be close to the Gautrain and head office in town cannot fit them in anymore.

[waltjie]

@Wobdog

Cool man! Thanks... this is good news. Standard Bank is not shy with the moola, so I am sure we can see something fantabulous!

[Pule]

Jo Waltjie - Stabndard Bank own the site and kicked out the VW dealership. They own the whole block (the block between Oxford, Bolton, Craddock and Baker) and are developing this site into their Gauteng regional office. Understand they want to be close to the Gautrain and head office in town cannot fit them in anymore.

It was mentioned on Joburg.org.za that Standard bank will be building a high rise in Oxford street, but its a matter of what-and-see.

[Jakes1]

Going up - 4 cranes
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01576.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01582.jpg

Gautrain - 3 cranes
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01577.jpg

[Jakes1]

New building for Old Mutual next to the Hyatt in Oxford - 2 cranes
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01581.jpg

This is a massive project!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01579.jpg

[KomSakkie]

A good perspective of where everything is.........kinda

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2896514738_b7b52385de_b.jpg

[joburg]

thanks for the updates guys. they ARE appreciated. just wish we knew how many floors we were looking at. but it seems we're the only ones who think in terms of floors. it's a HUGE project indeed.

[DoviJozi]

I must say, that as much joy as the Gautrain will hopefully bring, I can't wait for Oxford Road to have all its lanes back :(

[Xavixav]

I must say, that as much joy as the Gautrain will hopefully bring, I can't wait for Oxford Road to have all its lanes back :(

Remembering that there will be dedicated bus lanes... It will never be like before.

[dysan1]

i must say that rosebank is probably my favourite node in jozi, more pedestrianisation will be hugely positive here

[waltjie]

The Sandton to Rosebank corridor is going to be the shizzle!! I can walk up to Rosebank, catch the BRT or Gautrain to Sandton.... LEKKER! I cannot wait.

[Pule]

Driving from Sandton to Rosebank, the first building under construction is now on 6th floor.

[Pule]

The Sandton to Rosebank corridor is going to be the shizzle!! I can walk up to Rosebank, catch the BRT or Gautrain to Sandton.... LEKKER! I cannot wait.


I hope it not gonna be clustered by street hawkers, I do understand that our people are trying to make a living but they truly don't care about the environment. I hope that Rosebank, Fourways, Midrand etc will create appripriate hawker stalls because they way things are at the moment, resident will wake up their houses being surorunded by criminal elements who are pretending to be hawkers so proper control is needed.

[Luf]

I hope it not gonna be clustered by street hawkers, I do understand that our people are trying to make a living but they truly don't care about the environment. I hope that Rosebank, Fourways, Midrand etc will create appripriate hawker stalls because they way things are at the moment, resident will wake up their houses being surorunded by criminal elements who are pretending to be hawkers so proper control is needed.

very true pule. But i dont get the feeling hawkers will be all over the place - just a feeling though.


Did any one read the draft policy on hawkers issued by the city? I think they are going to get extremely stricked on them now.

[Pule]

very true Pule. But i dont get the feeling hawkers will be all over the place - just a feeling though.


Did any one read the draft policy on hawkers issued by the city? I think they are going to get extremely stricked on them now.

It would be for the best of the our city if we can all comment on this. The city need to properly control hawking as it results into crime and grime. Please forward this to those whom you think might be interested.

http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/3157/266/

[Luf]

It would be for the best of the our city if we can all comment on this. The city need to properly control hawking as it results into crime and grime. Please forward this to those whom you think might be interested.

http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/3157/266/

Sorry mate, i did mean Pule.

I submit comments with regards to what should and shouldnt not be sold.

On taking a walk through the CBD, i noticed that pornographic dvds were being sold with graphic images on them and in plan view of the public and children. How can we strive for a world class city when porn is just sold on the street and prob sold to children?

[Pule]

Sorry mate, i did mean Pule.

^^ :lol: just kidding.



I submit comments with regards to what should and shouldnt not be sold.

On taking a walk through the CBD, i noticed that pornographic dvds were being sold with graphic images on them and in plan view of the public and children. How can we strive for a world class city when porn is just sold on the street and prob sold to children?

True, good point you raised and that's the reason I don't like Metro as they walk in the same streets but they do nothing about these issues.

[kulani]

here are my points, i sent to Nicole

We need to dermacate areas that hawkers are allowed to operate in and then set the rules of the game. For example, people that are selling food should have a specific street demarcated, while those selling fruits and vegs can be on another street. This will help the city to invest in specific waste management services and solutions that are required by the kind of goods sold on that street. For example, an area that sells food, will need a lot of water taps, sitting areas and dustbins, while one that just sells toys, clothes and consumer electronics may need dustbins only.

We need to have metro police really getting serious on by-law enforcement and stop the corruption that is going on now, where police only arrest those that they are interested in stealing their goods. To achieve this and make it effective, i suggest that the CCTV control room operators must work with metro police by informing them in real-time of any literring activity (through the radio communications service) by hawkers or the public and metro cops must arrest the offenders immediately.This can be effectively implemented by registering all the active metro cops and patrols in each street with the control room, to enable them to report any infringement as it happens in each street to the right metro cops and patrol officers manning that particular street. Detain anyone found littering for between 4-5 hours or send them to join Pikitup to clean a street for 2 hours.

[kulani]

But also the city must make sure that in high traffic areas, we have a lot of dustbins and a lot of metro cops, environmental officers and marshals allocated to keep the place clean. Each hawker must be registered and monitored regularly with monthly reports on the cleanliness of their stands. There must be warnings issued to hawkers that are continuously flaunting the rules and eventually, after 3 warnings, a hawker must be evicted and their permit suspended. They must never be allowed to sell their wares in the city. Perhaps the only way to give them a new permit must be after they have undergone a rehabilitation program that must include working with Pikitup cleaners to sweep the streets for 2-3 weeks, daily.

In fact, i would go as far as suggesting that any hawker who applies for a permit, must undergo 2-3 days of training with Pikitup or some other waste management company operating in the area they are applying to hawk their goods. This will give them an appreciation of what it takes to keep a place clean and why they must ensure that they contribute towards a clean and safe city.

[waltjie]

Do you really think we need to have hawkers? I agree that it is great if someone wants to make an honest living selling.. whatever they want to, but I don't think that an area such as the Rosebank and/or Sandton BRT/Gautrain station is quite the place for it... in my honest opinion (sorry if Im being selfish and/or shortsighted) having hawkers around, even if they do have little cheap-ass tax-sponsered stalls, gives the place a kind of 'funky' flavour, which I don't really like.... :ohno:
You dont see hawkers around at stations in other countries (1st world), so why should we have them? It's not a market, it's a transport system for goodness sake!

[joburg]

You dont see hawkers around at stations in other countries (1st world), so why should we have them? It's not a market, it's a transport system for goodness sake!


Well, we do live in a developing country with high inequality between rich and poor? People need to make money, and they do it the best way how. Personally, I would far support hawkers over bag-snatchers. Anyway, we cannot create little nodes of exclusivity (ie Rosebank and Sandton) and pretend that poverty doesn't exist in South Africa. That only exacerbates the problems we already face in this country.

And a transport system with thousands of people using it every day? - that's a golden-opportunity of a market!

I agree with Kulani's suggestions. The regulation of hawking must actually be closely linked to business training, so that hawkers are able to one day graduate towards owning a proper shop, for instance.

[waltjie]

Well, we do live in a developing country with high inequality between rich and poor? People need to make money, and they do it the best way how. Personally, I would far support hawkers over bag-snatchers. Anyway, we cannot create little nodes of exclusivity (ie Rosebank and Sandton) and pretend that poverty doesn't exist in South Africa. That only exacerbates the problems we already face in this country.

And a transport system with thousands of people using it every day? - that's a golden-opportunity of a market!

I agree with Kulani's suggestions. The regulation of hawking must actually be closely linked to business training, so that hawkers are able to one day graduate towards owning a proper shop, for instance.

It can work, yes.... but what concerns me is that there will probably NOT be any strict enforcement of by-laws. There is a VERY thin line between "nice, friendly open-air market type of feeling" and a messy fruit 'n veg stall. For now, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. :)

[Lydon]

I am fine with hawkers as long as:

* The place is kept CLEAN. Hawkers tend to have a mess following them around.
* Officials monitor what they sell and ensure that pirated goods, pornography etc. is kept off of the street.

[Pule]

^^ the only problem with Joburg City Council is that street hawking is non of thier concern. The only thing thy do is to send hawkers on courses that do not produce value at all. I thought by now Metro Police would have been having a separate division that focus on hawkers.

[Luf]

Guys pls pls pls make your concerns/comments known to the Council via the link Pula gave.

The by-law made no provision of what can and can not be sold so please we all need to bring it up.

[Pule]

Guys pls pls pls make your concerns/comments known to the Council via the link Pula gave.

The by-law made no provision of what can and can not be sold so please we all need to bring it up.

Even Cape Townians and Durbies, please comment if you know the situation on Jozi. I have forwarded this to some of my friends so it will be good for you guys to also forward the link to other Jozi loving people out there. That will actually make the city aware that we are concerned about the issue.


I heard that the city have setup a partition team whereby people can forward a partition to in regards to problems they having in their respective Surburb or even the CBDs.

[waltjie]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Rosebankproject.jpg

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

This is rising (topped out?) super fast... it is looking SOOOOOOO freaking awesome...

People, Rosebank is on fire these days.... buildings are rising like freaking mushrooms!!

[wobdog]

This is rising (topped out?) super fast... it is looking SOOOOOOO freaking awesome...

People, Rosebank is on fire these days.... buildings are rising like freaking mushrooms!!
I work in Rosebank so can see it on a daily basis. At last count there are 10 tower cranes (3 at the Gautrain station, 3 at the OM site next to the Zone, 2 at the site of this tread and two at The Firs). Contractors have finished demolishing the former site of Lindsay Saker at the corner of Oxford and Bolton for construction to begin on the Standard Bank regional office.

Anyway - as Waltjie mentioned things are heating up here.

[Pule]

Contractors have finished demolishing the former site of Lindsay Saker at the corner of Oxford and Bolton for construction to begin on the Standard Bank regional office.



Is this the 20 floors one that was mentioned over a year ago?

[Luf]

Pule, i think that is the 20 floor one, but do you guys really think it will be 20 floors? I really hope so but it will stick out like a saw thumb.

[wobdog]

I have tried to get info on the Standard Bank offices but cannot find anything. I have searched numerous sites and the Standard Bank annual reports on proposed developed of this office but nothing! I can see the site from my office window so will keep everyone posted - at the moment it is a big, dusty lot with a whole bunch of excavators.

[waltjie]

Pule, i think that is the 20 floor one, but do you guys really think it will be 20 floors? I really hope so but it will stick out like a saw thumb.

I can deal with a sore thumb hey! :lol:

[Pule]

...the Standard Bank annual reports on proposed developed of this office ...

Do they have any info on thier proposed CBD development?

[wobdog]

Nothing - not one mention

[Luf]

mmm why are people so secert over developments...

[Jakes1]

You can have a look at the development in front of exclusive books in the Zone. They have people that tell you about the development, scale models, future plans etc.

Phase 2 (currently under construction) is very sexy indeed, about 6 - 9 floors (very rough estimate). The cool thing is that the Gautrain Station exits are basically next to this new extension.

Phase 3 includes an office tower component - and it is detailed in the model. Basically a big blue glass box.

Standard Bank's expansion is on the corner of oxford and glenhove.

There are numerous other refurbishments and construction going on. And they will increase the number of housing units to 250 per hectar, which means highrise buildings will become a feature in Rosebank - although I think it will be restricted to 20floors.

[waltjie]

By the way, the building going up right next to where the KFC is, on Oxford Road, is going to be a Crown Plaza.

[Jakes1]

By the way, the building going up right next to where the KFC is, on Oxford Road, is going to be a Crown Plaza.


Olala. Any news on how many floors?

[wobdog]

The Crown Plaza is actually on top of The Zone II retail mall. The Zone II is 3 floors and I think the Crown will be another 3 floors on top.

[Jakes1]

The Crown Plaza is actually on top of The Zone II retail mall. The Zone II is 3 floors and I think the Crown will be another 3 floors on top.

I think you are correct. And it will be the one of the closest hotels to a gautrain station - the entrance is right in front of Zone2.

[waltjie]

^^ Correct! Right in front of the hotel. There will be three (maybe four) entrances to the underground station on that side of Oxford Road.

[Pule]

The building I spoke about previously which is under construction, the first one you see as you drive from Sandton via Rivonai road, is now on 8th floor.

[joburg]

You can have a look at the development in front of exclusive books in the Zone. They have people that tell you about the development, scale models, future plans etc.

Phase 2 (currently under construction) is very sexy indeed, about 6 - 9 floors (very rough estimate). The cool thing is that the Gautrain Station exits are basically next to this new extension.

Phase 3 includes an office tower component - and it is detailed in the model. Basically a big blue glass box.

Standard Bank's expansion is on the corner of oxford and glenhove.

There are numerous other refurbishments and construction going on. And they will increase the number of housing units to 250 per hectar, which means highrise buildings will become a feature in Rosebank - although I think it will be restricted to 20floors.


Oooo la la indeed! Amazing what happens when you're out of action for a week! V exciting re the Crown Plaza.

[Pule]

Pule, i think that is the 20 floor one, but do you guys really think it will be 20 floors? I really hope so but it will stick out like a saw thumb.

Has construction started?

[Luf]

^^ The site has been completely cleared. I drove past this weekend and it looks like they are just about to start construction (well i hope so). There are no boards or anything.

There is another building going up on the corner of Sturdee Ave (the one the police station and the Rosebank Hotel is on) and Jellicoe Ave. Its an office block that that looks like a 4 -5 floor building. The site has also been completely cleared (cut down some very nice trees grrrrr) and construction should also start this month or next month.

[Pule]

Cool stuff, Rosebank is on fire.

[KomSakkie]

Just found this while browsing through the Gautrain site. Feel sorry for the Hyatt.

http://www.gautrain.co.za/web_images/_q2wvqa.jpg

[willayster]

^^ja, but their plots gonna be golden in a few yrs time

[Pule]

The old part of Firs is now being covered with a dark glass.

[wobdog]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3294231423_de64b6e057.jpg?v=0

[Pule]

This is almost complete.

http://www.glh.co.za/images/projets/square_des_oliviers/text-square--des-oliviers-copy.jpg

[joburg]

Heard today that there will be four double volume restaurants opening up on to a square facing Cradock Road. Also expect some local designer boutiques...

[Pule]

^^ that will be nice Tom. The place is looking lovely already.

[Pule]

Big plans for Rosebank
18 Mar 2009 - eProp - SBREI


As a key participant in the redevelopment of Rosebank, Standard Bank Real Estate Investments (SBREI) – a division of listed financial services group Standard Bank – has big plans to participate in the revamping of Johannesburg’s Rosebank precinct

This is thanks to its upgrading of the district’s south-eastern boundary.

Stewart Shaw-Taylor, Global Head of SBREI, says that Standard Bank recognised the potential of Rosebank a number of years ago when it purposefully assembled a site encompassing 30 Baker Street, Lindsay Saker and the Sanlam Arena for future redevelopment. The local council has since relaxed height and density restrictions for the Rosebank precinct and has approved SBREI’s high-density office and retail development on the southern side of the precinct.

“We are ready to proceed to the next level of our development phase,” says Shaw-Taylor. “There is no doubt that the Gautrain station development has injected the much-needed stimulus to revitalise the precinct. This impetus is also visible in our dealings with the local council. There is a clear understanding that developers and the council have to work closely to ensure that the precinct benefits. As part of the approval process SBREI met with local residents to discuss their plans and the consultation process has been open and transparent.”

He adds that SBREI is in the process of securing a suitable tenant to kickstart the building of the office component of their 125 000m² mixed use development.

“Our vision for the southern gateway to the Rosebank precinct is to provide cutting edge urban development solutions that make a visit to the area an enjoyable experience from a work, live and leisure point of view.”

[Jakes1]

They have started doing groundwork for the massive standard bank precinct. However, things are now very quiet. the area is fenced in, excavations started, but now seem abandoned. It could be that they are scaling down as well, at least for a while. Which would be a pity.

[Durbsboi]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150435.jpg

[Durbsboi]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150436.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150438.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150442.jpg

[Durbsboi]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150766.jpg

[Pule]

Jhb Rosebank gets mixed-use project
2009/05/13

A new mixed-use development is set to be constructed in Rosebank, Johannesburg, after the local council made some concessions.

Stewart Shaw-Taylor, global head of Standard Bank Real Estate Investments (SBREI), says that Standard Bank assembled a site encompassing 30 Baker Street, Lindsay Saker and the Sanlam Arena for future redevelopment. The local council has since relaxed height and density restrictions for the Rosebank precinct and has approved SBREI's high-density office and retail development on the southern side of the precinct.

"We are ready to proceed to the next level of our development phase," says Shaw-Taylor.

"There is no doubt that the Gautrain station development has injected the much-needed stimulus to revitalise the precinct. This impetus is also visible in our dealings with the local council. There is a clear understanding that developers and the council have to work closely to ensure that the precinct benefits. As part of the approval process SBREI met with local residents to discuss their plans and the consultation process has been open and transparent."

He adds that SBREI is in the process of securing a suitable tenant to kickstart the building of the office component of their 125,000sq m mixed-use development.

[joburg]

^^ I'm guessing that this is a different mixed-use project in Rosebank to the one that is currently going up by Old Mutual? If so, it's good news, and we must keep an eye out for renders

[Pule]

^^ yip, this is the one that Standard Bank is constructing where VW used to be next to McDonalds.

[joburg]

oh that's great! nice spot! I hope they make something nice of that corner..
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/SgqJniujbuI/AAAAAAAAASk/D9Gb9FLu-Js/s400/CIMG0058.JPG

[Luf]

Nice Pule.

K so i took a quick drive through Roseband yesterday and its an area on Steroids. Building everywhere - really awsome and i am going to have to say that this area is going to give Sandton tough competion. Sure Sandton is different and always will be but Rosebank is looking gooooooooooooooooooooood.

I promise that i will do a complete Photo essay on Rosebank this weekend - ready by monday morning. Pule has been putting preasure on me to photograph;)

[Flood]

Luvin' Rosebank. Always been a fave. Nice to see the area dong so well ...

[Pule]

I can't wait Luf ;)

[Gulivar]

Looking good.

[Jakes1]

This is a render from Louis Karol's website. Think this is what we might be looking at.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Rosebank-2010.jpg

[Pule]

Damn that's hhhhhoooootttttttt!!!

[Luf]

oh my... This is just awsome! PLEASE tell me that bridge is to the Gautrain Station!

Will be doing a photo essay of construction sites in Rosebank Tomorrow. be sure to check it out over the weekend or on monday.

[wobdog]

oh my... This is just awsome! PLEASE tell me that bridge is to the Gautrain Station!

Will be doing a photo essay of construction sites in Rosebank Tomorrow. be sure to check it out over the weekend or on monday.

No - the station is underground with entrances just in front of The Zone. That bridge is from The Zone to the new development (the perspective of that render is from the current location of the Cafe Vida looking toward Oxford Rd).

[Gulivar]

That is gorgeous!

[Luf]

No - the station is underground with entrances just in front of The Zone. That bridge is from The Zone to the new development (the perspective of that render is from the current location of the Cafe Vida looking toward Oxford Rd).

oooooooohhhhh... Thanks mate! Sorry i was under the impression that that was Oxford road and not that walk way. Awsome.

[Upington]

....a view from Gautrain website....brilliant...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/rs-apr09-5087-Display_2008.jpg

[SA BOY]

I count 10 tower cranes

[Luf]

Was meant to upload these earlier today but been so busy.

Anyways, On Sunday I took a quick drive/walk around Rosebank to see what was going on among that madness of construction sites and cranes. I am always going to be bias when reporting on Rosebank as I have loved that area for many years, even before the construction boom hit the area. Although it was a cold afternoon, it was a beautiful day and The Zone and The Mall were packed with people eating lunch, shopping, walking around and, drinking coffee. First thing that came to mind was: what financial crisis is everyone talking about? I was extremely pleased to see that the area was spotless, not a bit of litter anywhere even considering the amount of construction workers/vehicles that must pass there during the week and on Saturday.

I just had to go have a look at what was happening with the Gautrain. Last time I saw the site from the bridge, there was one massive deep hole and now it looks like they are starting to cover it to bring it to street level again: See below.
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0005.jpg

The building just opposite The Zone is also progressing at lighting speed and it looks to me that it has stopped growing or maybe one or two more stories to go. It’s going to be an interesting design and I think it will really compliment the surroundings well. A view from Oxford Road (front of the building):
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0007.jpg
And from behind (just by Vida Café)
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0001.jpg
The building on the corner of Oxford Road and Jellicoe Ave is also looking amazing, a nice tall one for area, see below (excuse the quality of the first image):
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0008.jpg
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0027.jpg
Construction of the office block on the corner of Jellicoe Ave and Sturdee Ave has not started yet. Although I was extremely pissed off when I saw them cutting some beautiful old, big trees down to clear the land, I was happy to see that the renders and hopeful the final product would include some nice trees. Once again, I think this one would really add to the ‘density’ of the area. See below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0018.jpg
The Rosebank Hotel (which I learnt on the day is officially called the Crowne Plaza, The Rosebank) has really worked out so well. The design is something completely different for the Rosebank and it really brings something new but at the same time fits in well. See Below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0014.jpg
On the corner of Jellicoe Ave and Jan Smuts Ave is maybe one of the most exciting developments in the area. It is the expansion of Everard Read Gallery which is by far my favourite art gallery in the whole of JHB. Although it is not attached to the original gallery (it’s across the road in a way) it will be used for art exhibitions and as well as a cultural centre. I can’t wait to see how this turns out. If you haven’t been to the gallery and enjoy art, please do yourself a favour and go. Picture below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0017.jpg
Finally, the new hotel on the corner of Oxford Road and close to Baker Street, in front of Telkom’s terrible excuse for a building, came out so well. It is really an example of how restorations of old structures can add such heritage and warmth to an area. Although it is overshadowed by the Gautrain construction site at present, once the station is completed, it will have the best location. For some reason there is no name outside but I really want to have a look at the inside sometime soon. See below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0033.jpg
As usual I was impressed with Rosebank and I just cant wait for all the construction to finish and for the next wave to begin.

[Xavixav]

Interesting to see that despite the relaxing of height restrictions in Rosebank to 20 storeys, nobody's building higher than 8 storeys at the moment. No residential developments either (only offices and retail from what I see), which is a pity for a typically mixed precinct like Rosebank, and which partly misses the point of relaxing heights along the Gautrain corridor. I would have liked to see at least a landmark highrise apartment block being built (sure it would make a killing and set new standards for urban living in Johannesburg), but no developer seems to be interested in such a project at the moment, at least in Rosebank. At some stage the Nedbank building was to be converted into an apartment block, but this never materialised.
Let's wait and see what's coming up next.

[Pule]

Wonderful Luf, wonderful. Thanks for that interesting tour buddy. Nice pics as always.

[Luf]

@Xavixav. I believe there will be apartments, in the building sandwiched between The Zone and The Hyatt.

@Pule, thanks mate.

[joburg]

Thanks Luf, that's a fantastic update! Good to see progress on the Everard Read. Would be nice if the city (or the galleries themselves) did something to link up the galleries on that stretch of Jan Smuts Avenue. Wider pavements, no fences, streetfront entrances would be nice.

And as for the height question, I tend to agree with XaviXav. But as you mention Luf, there is the Old Mutual development which from the one render we have seen will include a relatively tall building. Hopefully more follow..

[Pule]

^^ Standard Bank might also be 20 floors high.

[Pule]

On the corner of Jellicoe Ave and Jan Smuts Ave is maybe one of the most exciting developments in the area. It is the expansion of Everard Read Gallery which is by far my favourite art gallery in the whole of JHB. Although it is not attached to the original gallery (it’s across the road in a way) it will be used for art exhibitions and as well as a cultural centre. I can’t wait to see how this turns out. If you haven’t been to the gallery and enjoy art, please do yourself a favour and go. Picture below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Rosbank%20May%202009/IMG_0017.jpg

Would love to see the design of this. It looks yummy :cheers:

[Jakes1]

great pics! Thanks

[Luf]

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed the update - will be doing more of them in the near future.

@Pule, i know mate, i also cant wait to see how this one turns out and i am so excited with the fact that its not only an art gallery but also a "cultural centre" (looking forward to what they mean by that).

Rosebank is so rich in galleries and i am going to email the Rosebank CID to see if its possible to try put up signs or something to make the public more aware of the many art centres in the area. I dont want to see normal signs but ones that are "arty"

[Bakgat]

Thanks Luf, great update! Im also very curious about that hotel - looks amazing!

[Xavixav]

Ignoring the future

24 Jul 2009 - I-Net Bridge -

Intro
Rosebank is rapidly becoming the city’s third high rise business centre after Sandton as developers prepare for the launch of Gautrain and bus rapid transit system.

Ian Fife

Recession has caused a lack of balance

Prohibition on high rise is a problem

“It’s a pity that Rosebank’s revival is taking place in the middle of a recession”

— ANNE STEFFNY

There’s no obvious recession in Rosebank. The Johannesburg suburb is rapidly becoming the city’s third high rise business centre after Sandton and the original CBD, as SA’s biggest developers prepare for the launch of Gautrain and the city’s bus rapid transit system next year.

But the recession does have some effect. It is one of the reasons developers have either abandoned or avoided building the high-rise, high-density blocks of flats that would ensure Rosebank remains the most successful city environment in Gauteng.

Rosebank has the street life the Sandton CBD can never achieve, and the authentic urbanism of global cities that manufactured environments such as Melrose Arch and Cape Town’s Century City will always lack. Several thousand high rise flats would secure it as the region’s most popular place to live, work and play and entrench the sustainability of Gautrain and its retail component.

Old Mutual is the most enthusiastic participant in the Gautrain project, with megadevelopments connected to stations at Rosebank, Sandton CBD and Midrand. Old Mutual Investments Group Property Investments (Omigpi) CEO Ben Kodisang has nailed his flag to the mixed-use urban mast, in his plan to become SA’s biggest property asset manager with a R100bn portfolio.

Yet Omigpi has canned its proposed residential development connected to the Zone at the corner of Tyrwhitt and Cradock avenues. “We can’t do it profitably in the recession,” says regional development manager Debbie Caplin. “We could if we were allowed to build a 30-storey high rise, but we can’t.”

Omigpi says it is unable to because the local civic Rosebank Action Group (Rag) is opposing large-scale high-rise development. Rag’s Judith Briggs says it is opposed to “monolithic slabs” of buildings creating a “canyon” — but it doesn’t oppose properly staggered high-rise development. Elsewhere in the world, planners have encouraged the densest and highest development to make sure mass transit systems are sustainable.

A third reason for the lack of residential construction is that Old Mutual and other major developers Investec, Standard Bank and Tiber are mainly commercial developers, with little interest or feel for residential.

Listed property fund Hyprop and developer Intaprop recently bought Nedbank Gardens in Bath Avenue from Old Mutual. It’s an office park that is ideal for residential conversion.

Intaprop’s Tim Middleton says it hasn’t excluded residential. “But it’s not a good idea to have a residential development that is isolated from other residential developments, which would be the case at Nedbank Gardens.”

Hyprop would be interested only in a hotel. It wants to support the prime Rosebank property, the mall over the road from Nedbank Gardens. So it’s probable that tenant parking and other nonretail activities would be moved to the new purchase, so Hyprop can expand its retail space in the mall.

Hyprop has also bought Cradock Heights, a 5000m² office building north of Rosebank Mall on Cradock and Tyrwhitt avenues. It was designed by the son of the noted Johannesburg architect Harold le Roith. Probably the most beautiful commercial one in the suburb, it could be converted for residential use. However, there’s a good chance that Hyprop will eventually demolish it to expand the mall.

“It’s a pity that Rosebank’s revival is taking place in the middle of a recession,” says Kagiso Urban Management’s Anne Steffny, who runs the Rosebank management district (RMD) that ensures the safety and operation of the node’s public spaces. “Developers just can’t make residential work at the moment.”

Which highlights the biggest flaw in the suburb’s regeneration. As usual, developers are narrowly concentrated on their own properties and their immediate returns. City planning authorities with foresight would have known this would happen, and planned for it through a detailed, integrated development plan that ensured the right mix, size and density of uses. It would have crossed private property boundaries and have factored in the long-term future.

By building residential now, the municipality and owners could have ensured the long-term sustainability of the mass transit system and surrounding commercial activity. It would also have made Rosebank an even more satisfying place to visit, do business in or live in.

The authorities can make that happen with incentives for the big developers, like extra height and commercial space if they include residential units in their development.

Or they could punish them by reducing height and space if they don’t.

One developer who wants to be anonymous has bought 20 Tyrwhitt Avenue to build residential accommodation. He would like to build more than he is allowed to by the city planning scheme. “Rosebank needs 3000 or 4000 residential units in Tyrwhitt Avenue, and 1000 more elsewhere if it is to reach its full potential,” he says.

“But we don’t have a development plan that will make that happen.”

Steffny says the council, the RMD and the property owners have agreed to do an integrated plan “with a strong residential component, and the big property developers support that”.

But it seems they will support that being done by other developers in lower Rosebank near Jan Smuts Avenue, while their prime properties close to the Gautrain station remain purely commercial.

Source: Financial Mail

[Xavixav]

Cradock Heights in danger: what a pity, such a fine piece of contemporary architecture.

Hyprop invests R150m in Rosebank

13 Jul 2009 - I-Net Bridge -

Intro
The company says it recently acquired two commercial properties in close proximity to the Rosebank Mall on Bath and Cradock Avenues.

JSE retail property fund Hyprop Investments on Monday said that it had recently invested about R150 million in the growth node of Rosebank to boost its existing retail asset in the area the Mall of Rosebank - bringing its total investment in Rosebank to date to over R1.3 billion.

The company said it recently acquired two commercial properties in close proximity to the Mall on Bath and Cradock Avenues.

Completion of Rosebank's Gautrain and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations is expected to rejuvenate the node and revive the bustling commercial district.

Hyprop has purchased a 70% undivided share in the office park Nedbank Gardens on Bath Avenue directly opposite the Mall.

Intaprop (Pty) Limited holds the remaining 30% share.

The property comprises three office buildings together totalling 15 700m of gross lettable area (GLA) on a 14 000m2 site.

On the corner of Cradock and Tyrwhitt Avenues Hyprop has purchased Cradock Heights, a commercial property with a GLA of 4,745m.

Financial Director Laurence Cohen said the acquisitions were in line with Hyprop's strategy to invest in nodes with strong growth potential.

"As the area develops, Rosebank will most likely attract substantially more office tenants who would form a captive shopper base for the Mall," said Cohen.

"Through the two acquisitions Hyprop is consolidating its presence around the Mall to maximise densities and improve connectivity to the office precinct and Gautrain station," he added.

Hyprop said it was adding to its mixed-use presence in Rosebank which had existed for some time through the Mall (retail), the Mall offices (commercial) and The Grace Hotel (leisure).

Of future plans for the acquisitions, Cohen said: "The redevelopment programme for the Nedbank Gardens' site is intended to complement and enhance our existing shopping centre in the area.

"A rezoning application has been submitted to the council to increase the available bulk to
approximately 35 000m2."

"We now have the opportunity to unlock value in the Mall, the surrounding area and the precinct generally.

"Further, we are eager to improve the pedestrian links between the lower Rosebank office component and the Mall through the Nedbank Gardens site," he continued.

The development plans for the Mall are in addition to the R663 million expansion programme currently under way at Hyprop's other centres including Hyde Park, The Glen and Canal Walk.

These developments are well on schedule for completion later this year.

"The current developments and our plans for the Mall are set to continually strengthen our portfolio of quality shopping centres with enhanced facilities, additional retail space, an improved tenant mix and increased parking," concluded Cohen.

Source: I-Net Bridge

[SA BOY]

3rd high rise zone, whats randburg chopped liver?

[Xavixav]

3rd high rise zone, whats randburg chopped liver?

Randburg's a dilapidated 70's midrise. Where's the Randburg thread by the way?

[SA BOY]

Well it was the first decentralised mid to high rise cluster up to 20F so it deserves its due. I remember it as a kid when Sandton was just sandton city and nothing else and Randburg was oh so cool

[Pule]

The Firs redevelopment attracts top-notch tenants

16 Sep 2009 - eProp - IPG


“We identified Rosebank as an area poised to revitalise and acquired the Firs and Hyatt complex, central to the node, some four years ago,” explains Sam Leon of Investec Property. “The quality and uniqueness of the development is underscored by the strong leasing response, notwithstanding the current economic climate. We certainly believe that, resulting from this project, it will become a key landmark in area.”

The Firs redevelopment is bringing 4,100sqm of specialty retail and restaurant space on stream, along with 8,200sqm of premier offices. All this is enhanced by the luxury of 244 rooms, 15 suites and exceptional service of The Hyatt Regency Johannesburg.

The AAA-grade offices at The Firs are already 60% let and have attracted the likes of Standard Bank as a major tenant.

“We are pleased to be involved in the redevelopment of this vibrant node, which we see strengthening further as a number of projects in the area come to fruition,” says Stewart Shaw-Taylor, Global Head of Standard Bank Real Estate Investments, which is also responsible for a proposed large mixed-use development on the Southern end of the Rosebank node.

A key attraction of the redevelopment will be the new restaurant piazza at the heart of The Firs, explains Ollie Flynn of Investec Property.

Rosebank dining institutions The Grill House and Katzy’s provide the gateway for the new piazza where they will be joined by the likes of equally-iconic Doppio Zero – all showcased in a modern, light and open design. The restaurant piazza will provide customers with an enhanced upmarket dining experience and a variety of menu options.

“The Firs and Hyatt complex redevelopment and particularly the restaurant piazza will provide synergies with Rosebank’s new identity as a mixed-use transport node with a keen focus on pedestrian and street-level interaction, providing a meeting point for this modern village," explains Flynn.

The redevelopment of the Firs and Hyatt complex is superbly timed to coincide with the renewed bustle of development activity in Rosebank, and the opening of its new Gautrain station. The area is experiencing substantial urban renewal, spurred on by the construction of the Gautrain station, new projects currently under construction by Tiber and Standard Bank Real Estate Investments, and the redevelopment of many of the buildings owned by Old Mutual in the precinct. In addition, SA’s leading listed retail property fund, Hyprop, has a substantial presence in the area.

[Xavixav]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/firs1_big_500x332.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/firs2_big_400x600.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/firs3_big_500x333.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/firs5_big_500x451.jpg

[mike2005]

oooooh that looks bloody brilliant.

Rosebank is going from strength to strength.

[joburg]

I was there on Saturday night. The only piece of retail currently in place is the new Clive Rundle shop, the rest of the shops/restaurants on the square are still vacant - not sure when they will be filled with tenants. Just know that one of them will be a fantastic double-volume restaurant. The square is nice in that it opens up on to Cradock Road, but in typical Joburg style, the developers have fenced it off and access is via a gate in the middle. What on earth is the point of creating an integrated pedestrian-oriented environment if you're simply going to fence it off?!

Some photos. Apologies for blurriness but I'm just a natural shaker :banana:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/Src8GeEnoHI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TGwmdOhaZXk/DSCF5762.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/Src8S5tfvnI/AAAAAAAAAxE/stGr8HupvS4/s512/DSCF5767.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/Src8WXqD6FI/AAAAAAAAAxI/dv5RBORwScU/DSCF5774.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/Src8cE7ZL4I/AAAAAAAAAxM/pRBKS2He98E/DSCF5773.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_A6KsRAiehsM/Src8e2Sz4zI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/YBp_2T8JEm8/DSCF5769.JPG

BAD, BAD, BAD fence!

[Xavixav]

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff301/xavixav_bucket/Circa.jpg

A striking new landmark rises in Johannesburg
Art and science meet, circa 2009...
Nov 7, 2009 8:00 PM | By Robyn Sassen
On a busy corner of Jan Smuts Avenue in Johannesburg, ructions fit to change the city's art profile come to a head this week with the opening of Circa, a new exhibition space under the auspices of Everard Read.


Mark Read, Everard Read's chairman, a son of the Everard family who founded the gallery in 1912 when Johannesburg was still considered a mining town, sits in a wooden Spanish chair, owned by the gallery.

"This was created circa 1880," he grins, patting the chair's arms. "This kind of temporal broadness is what the new space is about. I always dreamt of being able to make something world-class in Johannesburg.

"Johannesburg deserves something utterly fabulous, but it must have a use."

Read was born into the arts; his passions remain broad and natural: armed with a degree in zoology and archaeology, he enjoys a passionate and committed association with organisations who care about the planet. He is a founding trustee of the Palaeo-Anthropology Scientific Trust, and chairman of the World Wide Fund South Africa.

"I want people to look at this space and go, Gosh, how fabulous this is! I want to fill people with wonder about the sheer bizarre miracle of being alive."

Read's focus for Circa is not just to show art but to be about science also. There are plans to exhibit a slice of the moon here.

"Fossils are being discovered at this moment. In Circa, culture, art and science will interface. It's about sustainability and living within our means."

A brand new gallery in the midst of a major international economic recession? Can this be about living within our means?

"It was conceived when the world was booming," the gallery's curator, Jacques Michau, says, leading the way up the whorl-like skeleton of the new space a couple of weeks before its public launch.

Circa fits under the auspices of Everard Read, but will be run as a separate entity.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venture into new territory without damaging in any way the integrity of Everard Read," Read wrote in a press release.

As the grande dame of galleries in Johannesburg, Everard Read has earned its solid reputation for showing and handling important figurative art. Circa is about more than this - it is about wild and experimental statements, it is about chutzpah and playfulness and it is about embracing much more than just conventional "domestic"-sized paintings and sculptures.

Read does not ignore the fact that the local art world is changing radically: the closure of Warren Siebrits' gallery (on Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg) in May, and the resignation of Emma Bedford, curator of the Goodman Gallery in Cape Town, seem to be cases in point and not to augur well for the industry.

"Nonsense!" Read says. "Galleries come and go. There is a recession, but if we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, at least we can see the tunnel."

Circa is designed - by Pierre Swanepoel from Studiomas Architects - to be perspicacious in the needs it fills and sensitive to the world in which it is born.

Over three stories, and clad in anodized aluminium fins, its open patio on the roof enables you to see the city from God's perspective. A ramp wraps it, giving pragmatic but poetic access.

It also comprises a project space on the ground floor. It has vertically sliding walls that have the power to shift the galleries as shows demand.

But it is not just a pretty space. It is designed to be self-servicing with on-site solar voltaic panels giving home-grown electricity, solar-heated water, and a focus on harvesting rain for all but drinking.

[Durbsboi]

interesting design that.

[Pule]

I still can't make it in my head as to where Circa will be located. What do they mean by corner of Jan Smuts, there's plenty of corners by Jan Smuts.

[waltjie]

I still can't make it in my head as to where Circa will be located. What do they mean by corner of Jan Smuts, there's plenty of corners by Jan Smuts.

Puls, if you drive on Jan Smuts from Hyde Park, past Dunkeld, you will find this on your left just before the Caltex petrol station.

[Jakes1]

This is an absolute stunner of a building. I love it. Drove past it yesterday.

[Lydon]

And you didn't take a photo? Shame on you.

[Pule]

Puls, if you drive on Jan Smuts from Hyde Park, past Dunkeld, you will find this on your left just before the Caltex petrol station.

Thanks Waltjie.


Here's the photo gallery of Circa, http://www.studiomas.co.za/circa-gallery.php

[dclourens]

Have anybody taken recent photos of the Zone phase two. Would love to see what it looks like?