December 15, 2005
By Ndaba Dlamini
WORK on the multi-billion rand Jerusalem development in Fairland, western Joburg, has begun and a housing project has been earmarked for part of the site as an "inclusionary" development early next year.
Earthworks began in early October on the 25-hectare site, situated at the intersection of Beyers Naude Drive and the N1 Western Bypass. Two parcels of land at the site are being developed as offices and a "fashion hub" at a cost of R1,2-billion.
According to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), it has signed a leasehold agreement with RMB Properties for the construction, which is expected to be completed by June 2008.
"The JPC has structured its deal with RMB Properties to ensure that the economic benefits of this development are extended to emerging black economic empowerment enterprises as part of its 'Property Boom Share Strategy'," says Alan Dinnie, the company's project manager.
There will be 70 000mē offices consisting of two A-grade office blocks, each with its own entrance and linked to a central shared facilities building. The City expects to generate about R2,5-million in rates and taxes a year from this complex.
The fashion-related retail development will take up 13 000mē and is intended as "a destination shopping experience". According to the JPC, its design will have unique architecture and distinctive building elements that will create a high-street feel similar to that of Melrose Arch, the popular Joburg shopping complex.
It will cater for 67 tenants, a central management block and "back-of-house" facilities, public toilets and 758 parking bays. Johannesburg expects to generate about R460 000 in taxes and rates a year from the centre, which is expected to be completed by September 2007.
A third site, also facilitated by the JPC, will be developed by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) for residential purposes. It will include 30 percent subsidised social housing "for people with lower affordability".
"The development of social housing at the Jerusalem site is part of a greater scheme for the area. Joshco will present its development proposal in consultation with residents and RMB Properties some time in December," Dinnie says.
The proposal is being "carefully managed" in close consultation with residents to ensure a "high quality development" so that the values of surrounding residential property are not affected, according to the JPC statement.
Residents of Fairland and adjoining suburbs have criticised plans to build social houses on the site. Deon Oberholzer, chairman of an action group in Fairland, says residents rejected the idea of a large number of social houses being built in the area.
"We accepted a number of proposals from JPC and Joshco and the matter will, we hope, be resolved when Joshco presents its final proposal at the end of December."
Jerusalem's remaining site has been set aside for a gym to serve office workers from the new office complex, for which a proposal call will be made in early 2006.
It was called Jerusalem as the area was a popular venue for religious groups that used it for church services. After the churches moved from the land, motorcycle races took place on it.
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