Guidelines for a development that will radically change the face of Pretoria West were accepted in the January meeting of the city council.
But no indication was given on what the West Capital urban design would cost, even though some tenders for development had already been asked for.
The West Capital project was originally approved by the council in August 2011. The purpose of the project was the identification of municipal owned property to be developed for mixed land use development, which included student accommodation.
Following the 2011 council resolution, the city planning department has been tasked to design guidelines for the development of the West Capital precinct. The bottom line was that the design should create a vibrant mixed-use precinct in the central business district in support of the Tshwane inner-city regeneration strategy.
The West Capital forms a large part of the inner city. It is currently underdeveloped with large portions of vacant land that has potential for new development and investment. The development action is to be put out on various tenders.
The new precinct’s boundaries are Bloed and Boom streets in the north, Eskia Mphahlele Drive in the west, Nana Sita Street in the south and Bosman Street in the east.
Phase 1 of the project consists of four land packages in the south and west of the precinct. These land packages for development have already been awarded via tender. The area earmarked for development consists of nine land packages in the north of the precinct. These land packages have not been yet put out on tender.
The objective is mixed land use for a city that will be alive around the clock. The design makes allowance for high-quality sidewalks, active street frontages and safety against crime.
The proposed street grid provides for different types of streets each with its own role and character to support its function. Special streets will contribute to the capital character of the city. Some will carry heavy traffic, while others will also accommodate non-motorised traffic.
WF Nkomo Street will form part of the ceremonial Boulevard from Eskia Mphahlele Drive in the west to the Union buildings in the east along Helen Joseph and Stanza Bopape Streets.
There are also a number of government department headquarters already located along this route. Its design is in essence formal in character with buildings and landscaping framing the view.
There will be a large number of historical and architectural buildings within the West Capital. These buildings have been documented according to the conservation status. There is also a number of buildings older than 60 years that need permission to be demolished.
The report points out the importance of cherishing and respecting these buildings as they contribute to the unique character of the area.
The general guidelines for streets are landscape designs with street furniture, shelter, canopies and covered sidewalks, trees, paving and public art and are continuous and generous in width.
No outbuildings or utilities such as dustbins will be allowed between the buildings and no on-site parking will also be allowed between the buildings. Advertising billboards along the streets will be prohibited.
Warehouses, wholesale houses, showrooms, heavy industries, building yards and motor-related industries will not be allowed in the new development. The maximum heights of buildings will be pinned down to eight storeys.
Parking for cars must be provided inside the buildings.
The redevelopment comprises about 116 land parcels earmarked for redevelopment. Between Stand, Kgosi Mampuru and Struben and Steenhoven Spruit. Another 18 land parcels have been listed for development.
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