A massive mixed-use development planned for Tshwane’s northern corridor is expected to bring thousands of jobs, new industrial activity, agricultural opportunities, and major infrastructure investment to the area.

The First Land Strategic Urban Development Programme, which spans approximately 2 941 hectares across Regions 2 and 5, is being positioned as one of the Tshwane Metro’s largest catalytic developments.

The project is strategically located north of Pretoria, close to the N4 Rustenburg Freeway and on both sides of the N1 Polokwane Freeway, with access to the national rail network.

The development is planned as an integrated precinct incorporating logistics, manufacturing, industrial, commercial, retail, innovation, education, agriculture, residential and social opportunities.

The metro said the project forms part of its broader Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy (TERS), which seeks to attract large-scale private investment, expand infrastructure, support industrialisation and create sustainable employment.

Tshwane Mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi said the First Land project is precisely the kind of investment the metro needed.

“The First Land Strategic Urban Development Programme is exactly the type of catalytic investment that the metro is seeking to unlock through the Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy.”

He said the recent oversight visit by Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and members of the Mayoral Committee formed part of the metro’s ongoing monitoring of strategic investments.

The visit also allowed the executive to assess progress, engage with the developer on regulatory and infrastructure matters and reaffirm the metro’s commitment to working with the private sector.

According to the metro, the development could contribute about R43-billion during the capital investment phase, with a further estimated R2.6-billion contribution during ongoing operations.

The project is being undertaken as a private-sector investment, while the metro is working with the developer on planning approvals, municipal service agreements, and supporting bulk infrastructure.

One of the biggest anticipated benefits is employment.

Based on the developer’s economic profiling report, approximately 25 000 jobs could be created during construction, followed by around 8 800 permanent jobs once the development becomes operational.

Mgobozi said the impact would extend beyond direct employment, with the development expected to stimulate activity in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, retail, and supporting industries.

At the centre of the agricultural component will be a modern Fresh Produce Market supported by food processing, food beneficiation, cold storage, agricultural logistics, wholesale produce trading, and food distribution facilities.

The metro believes this could strengthen regional food security, support agricultural producers, improve value chains and create opportunities in the agri-processing sector.

The project also includes significant infrastructure plans.

These include the Lavender Road to Moloto Road east-west link, intended to relieve pressure on the N1 and Sefako Makgatho Drive, as well as the K99 north-south provincial route connecting the N1 with Hammanskraal and Sefako Makgatho Drive.

A proposed new interchange from the N1 into the development is also expected to improve access.

Bulk infrastructure plans include a new 40MVA electricity substation, bulk water supply infrastructure, water treatment facilities, reservoirs, water reticulation, and sanitation infrastructure.

Mgobozi said residents should not expect construction to begin immediately.

He said substantial progress had been made on statutory approvals, township establishment and municipal service agreements, but several regulatory processes still need to be concluded before construction timelines can be confirmed.

The final number of residential units and housing types has also not yet been determined, with the municipality saying these details will depend on the outcome of statutory planning processes.

Environmental considerations have also been incorporated into the development.

Approximately 800 hectares in Region 2 and 40 hectares in Region 5 have been earmarked for environmental protection, while an approved Environmental Impact Assessment is in place.

Mgobozi said the project would ultimately contribute to a more competitive and inclusive economy.

“Our vision is not simply to approve developments, but to build an economy that is more competitive, more inclusive and better positioned for long-term growth.”

For communities around Doornpoort and neighbouring areas, the metro expects the development to bring jobs closer to residents while improving infrastructure, municipal services and commercial activity.

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