Groenkloof community revives opposition to mixed-use project near rugby grounds

Groenkloof residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed development on municipal land next to the historic Harlequins Rugby Club.

The land, valued at R33-million, has become the centre of controversy following an announcement by the metro that it intends to lease it for a private mixed-use development.

While no final decision has been made, the metro has begun a public participation process that could see the land put out on tender if the council gives the go-ahead.

Community member and local representative Yvette Loots said the proposal feels like a revival of a plan introduced just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said at the time, a private developer proposed a precinct similar to Loftus Park, with restaurants, office spaces, and medical suites.

According to Loots, the Groenkloof community opposed the plan so firmly that the developer eventually withdrew.

“We thought it was over and done with, but now the city has come back with essentially the same idea.

“They’re asking how we feel about it, but it feels like they’re already laying the groundwork to put the land out to tender.”

Loots explained that community objections go beyond sentiment.

She said the neighbourhood is already under pressure from traffic congestion, infrastructure limitations, and increased usage of nearby facilities like Crawford College and Life Groenkloof Hospital.

“Totius Street is a narrow two-lane road with no shoulders, and the traffic on Saturdays from school sports and hospital activity is already a nightmare.”

Loots said adding a three-storey hotel and entertainment space will break the system.

According to Loots, the land could be better used for recreation and sports, particularly as there is a shortage of rugby fields in the area.

“Harlequins and Pretoria Rugby Club are both right here, and they’re struggling with space. Right now, Boys High and Sutherland are renting Harlequins’ fields because there just aren’t enough rugby grounds in the area.

“The club wants to develop an additional field on the land, which makes far more sense than putting up another business complex.”

Loots said the community came together earlier this year, including residents from both Groenkloof and the north side of Totius Street, to formally register their objections.

She added that everyone agreed to object, but the metro doesn’t seem to give much weight to group objections anymore.

“They prefer individual objections, so now everyone is submitting their concerns one by one.”

Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba confirmed that no resolution has been passed by the council to lease the property.

“Council has only approved the initiation of a public participation process in terms of Regulation 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations.”

He said the metro will compile a report incorporating public input to be submitted to the council for a final decision.

Bokaba added that the development under consideration is a mixed-use project, which combines residential, commercial, institutional, and possibly light industrial elements.

He noted that the property currently has split zoning for public open space, railway, and existing streets as defined in the 2024 Tshwane Land-Use Management Scheme.

“For development to proceed, appropriate land-use rights, township establishment, and subdivision would all be required following council approval.”

Bokaba emphasised that the metro views the land as underutilised.

“The property in question is currently being used only in part by the rugby club.

“Revenue generation is essential for the metro to fulfil its service delivery mandate, and the group property department is mandated to support this objective.”

When asked about the feedback received so far, Bokaba said public participation meetings were held onsite and online in June, with notices also published in local newspapers.

The metro is now consolidating all submissions, which will be compiled into a report for the council.

“All objections submitted were acknowledged. Equal standing and equal weight are afforded to all objections, regardless of the source.”

In response to claims that Harlequins Rugby Club had expressed interest in expanding onto the land, Bokaba said the metro had not been formally made aware of this.

He added that the club had previously approached the metro with a request to commercialise a portion of the property it already leases.

“However, it withdrew when it became clear the club would have to relinquish its rights and the developer would have to lease directly from the municipality.”

Bokaba said on the issue of traffic and infrastructure, all lease proposals are referred to the relevant internal stakeholders, including the Roads and Transport Department.

“No objections were raised at that stage. However, the metro’s group property department has recorded community concerns and will reengage with its roads and transport department for detailed input.”

He said the metro may recommend upgrades to infrastructure, depending on the feedback from relevant departments.

Bokaba added that the cost of any required infrastructure upgrades would be accepted by the potential lessee, with implementation monitored and approved by the metro.

He also clarified that the current process does not involve the sale of the land.

“It is a lease proposal. Based on public input, the metro may recommend that any approved development must include recreational components.”

He said the metro remains open to leasing land to community or sports organisations, but is limited by two laws that limit the maximum lease for sports clubs to nine years and 11 months.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.