The City of Tshwane’s proposed multimillion-rand mixed-use development is set to transform the northern gateway precinct into a vibrant and economically active zone with affordable rentals and student accommodation.

The project involves demolishing 16 city-owned properties currently housing municipal workers to make way for a new development.

The council gave the municipality the green light on Thursday to put the properties up for tender through an open process, aiming to secure a private partner for a maximum 50-year lease to finance the development.

The standalone properties, located next to the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, are ideal for a mixed-use residential development due to their proximity to the Pretoria CBD.

Council parties, including DA councillor Dana Wannenburg, supported the proposal with a recommendation that the development report specify an initial 30-year lease with a possible 20-year renewal. 

Wannenburg said the recommendation would acknowledge the long-term and complex nature of the lease, allowing the council to maintain oversight without compromising its decision-making authority.

According to the council report, the properties are over 50 years old and will require significant investment to bring them up to standard. 

“It is therefore recommended that the properties be demolished to allow for new development,” the report said.

The properties are currently occupied by families who are council employees with expired leases. 

They will be required to vacate the properties after receiving notices but will have the option to rent properties in the new development, with preference given to them. 

“In order to enhance the revenue value of the properties, the 16 standalone properties will be consolidated to form a total extent of approximately 1,1hectares,” said the council report. 

Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, said the proposed development was approved by council following a public participation process with no objections received.

She said: “Public feedback was sought to ensure transparent governance and community alignment as part of the city’s catalytic land development programme. No objections or submissions were received, signaling shared public support for the transformation of the northern gateway precinct into a vibrant, affordable and economically active zone.”

She said reclaiming the precinct enables Tshwane residents to live closer to their workplaces and educational institutions, thereby reducing commuting burdens and boosting foot traffic in the inner city.

She explained that the city will retain ownership of the land throughout the 50-year lease period, ensuring long-term public value.

“Upon expiry of the lease, improvements and land will revert to the municipality, ready to serve future generations in a renewed urban context,” Morodi said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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