Joburg gets R1.3 billion Newtown Junction mixed-use development

Artist rendering R1.3 billion Newtown Junction, an exceptional mixed-use retail and business development in the Johannesburg CBD.

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Property investment and development company, Atterbury has broken ground for an exceptional new R1.3 billion mixed-use retail and business development in the Johannesburg CBD.

Newtown Junction will comprise a 40,000sqm shopping centre, offices of around equal size, a hotel, gym, and four levels of basement parking providing 2,400 bays. All this will integrate with the heritage and artistic attractions of Joburg’s historic Newtown precinct.

Besides the backing of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and counsel from South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) for the important heritage ingredients of the development, Newtown Junction has gained enthusiastic support from many of South Africa’s leading businesses.

Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Mr Price, Truworths and Foschini have all confirmed their brands for Newtown Junction’s shopping and fashion experience. And for the offices, situated above the retail, Nedbank is consolidating its offices within the Johannesburg area to Newtown Junction.

Continuing Atterbury’s development association with South Africa’s leading green companies, Nedbank’s Newtown Junction offices aim to achieve a 4-star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). This aligns with both companies’ business philosophies for greener and more sustainable developments.

In fact, the entire development embodies a holistic vision - connecting the past, present and future of this built environment with care and flair.
 
MD of Atterbury Property Developments James Ehlers says: “Newtown Junction will be sustainable while preserving Joburg’s history and revitalising our heritage, and create a space that is relevant to those who live, work and travel in the city today. Newtown Junction will be a unique, lively hub where people can shop, eat, relax, linger and connect with one another and the unique and compelling city legacy surrounding them.”

Besides creating an exciting, relevant shopping and leisure asset for Joburg and its citizens, Newton Junction will also create jobs. Developers estimate that 1,700 people will be employed in the development project.

Cobus van Heerden, Director of Retail from Atterbury Property Developments, says: "The prestigious new retail, restaurant and office development of Newtown Junction is geared to further revitalise Joburg’s iconic historic Newtown precinct.”

Newtown is in Johannesburg’s inner-city. It is Newtown’s historic, but long-time derelict, Potato Shed buildings that are transforming into Newtown Junction. These buildings are between Museum Africa, Mary Fitzgerald Square and Carr Street.

Originally built as open sheds in 1912 to supply and store produce for the market complex, the Potato Sheds were built beside the rail siding as most produce transported into Johannesburg arrived by train. The Poultry Shed and the original Station Master’s Residence will also be part of the development.

The heritage-inspired design will retain and restore historical landmarks.

Van Heerden says: “The age and significance of the buildings means the development is following heritage regulations. The buildings will be sensitively adapted into a quality shopping centre that celebrates the cultural significance of the site and its buildings. The architecture will be an appealing mix of old facades and new structures. This fits with Newtown’s identity which blends old and new beautifully.”

Newtown Junction will have strong connection to its dynamic, cosmopolitan surrounds, which includes some of the city’s most appealing cultural attractions. A walkway and historic railway bridge will link Newtown Junction with Museum Africa and the Market Theatre, creating a unique, connected and walkable city experience, strengthening the entire node’s appeal.

A major plus for Newtown Junction is its exceptional accessibility. It’s near a growing resident population and at the heart of a bustling public transport hub.

By road, Newtown Junction is easy to see from the landmark Nelson Mandela Bridge, which provides easy access from the North. The M1 Carr Street junction affords excellent access into Newtown from the South. By rail, commuters have the choice of both train and Gautrain from the nearby Park Station. A choice of bus and taxi services also run in the Newton Junction node.

The proposed hotel will give tourists an appealing option to stay in the inner-city and experience the diversity of nearby Joburg cultural and entertainment attractions.

Work commenced in April 2012 excavating the four-level basement, which is around 80% completed. The main contractor WBHO will begin building work in October 2012. The project should take two years to complete.