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 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.” — I-Net Bridge