Words: Georgina Guedes
The north of Joburg is one of the most sought-after regions in the country. New residential developments cater to your every requirement.
It seems that in any direction you turn in Joburg, there are cranes on the horizon. The city is undergoing mammoth growth and development, with the establishment of new CBDs creating newly desirable commercial and residential zones, especially to the north of the city. These are some of the development highlights of Johburg’s “new north”, and some new developments in the “old north” as well.
SoHo Junction, Broadacres
Developer: OCC Properties
SoHo Junction, near Steyn City and Dainfern, has easy access to favourite weekend activities such as golf, cycling and horse riding, and is close to shopping and entertainment centres like Monte Casino, Cedar Square and Fourways Mall.
The development is made up of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and ground-floor units have private gardens. Finishes include laminated wooden floors, quartz stone tops and European-designed kitchens. The complex has incorporated a clubhouse with a pool, braai and children’s play area, an activity centre with a gym, sauna, steam room, business centre and concierge service.
The Yorkshire, Morningside
The Yorkshire, consisting of 14 full-title free-standing homes on Coleraine Drive in Morningside, is the first in Futuredev Properties’ Signature Collection. Architecturally, it has a modernist yet luxurious approach. Each unit has four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and open-plan lounge and dining room, fully fitted kitchen, pyjama lounge, optional staff quarters, double garage and private garden.
Futuredev Properties specialises in developing full-title residential homes in the Sandton area – Morningside and Bryanston.
9 on Portland, Craighall Park
In the established suburb of Craighall Park is the brand-new development of 9 on Portland, developed by Limestone Residential Properties. It consists of eight duplex units, each with its own private garden, three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and staff accommodation. A fourth space can be an office or pyjama lounge.
The downstairs living area makes use of an open-plan living concept, with an easy-to-maintain garden. The kitchen has modern finishes and offers gas cooking and ample counter space. The spaces have been designed to offer maximum lighting and the highest level of comfort for families.
The complex offers 24-hour guarded access and security cameras, and is fibre ready. Construction is well underway, and completion is expected by the end of the year.
Sandton Gate Terrace, Sandton
Craft Homes’ Sandton Gate is a greatly anticipated Joburg development. The mixed-use smart city on the doorstep of the Sandton CBD offers a variety of different commercial, retail and accommodation spaces, the highlight being exclusive apartments overlooking the Braamfontein Spruit. On the weekend, dog walkers, joggers and mountain bikers turn the spruit into a hive of healthy and social activity. Within walking distance of the apartments are shops, a premium gym and high-end office space.
The modern apartments are designed for private, open-plan living with large balconies that optimise outdoor space. Two- and three-bedroom options are available, along with a limited number of four-bedroom penthouses. Residents can connect with nature, while being within easy commuting distance of Sandton and Bryanston – with lovely views of the Sandton Skyline or the Spruit.
Polofields, Waterfall
Polofields was developed by Balwin Properties to answer a need for luxurious, affordable residential accommodation within Waterfall. Each unit in the Polofields is Wi-Fi-enabled, and equipped with state-of-the-art Smeg appliances and modern, practical finishes.
The development offers fantastic views across Waterfall, and has a signature Lifestyle Centre, with a spa, restaurant, adults’ and children’s pool, children’s play area, squash courts, gym and so much more. With all this in place, it’s little wonder that the lifestyle centre recently won the Best Leisure Interior South Africa Award at the International Property Awards, held in Dubai.
Waterfall Ridge, Waterfall
At the affordable end of the scale, Craft Homes have launched two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments at Waterfall Ridge starting at R999,000. The Mall of Africa is on the development’s doorstep, and the nearby highway offers easy access to both Joburg and Pretoria.
Transfer costs are included along with R15,000 worth of quality home appliances to make Waterfall Ridge an affordable, all-in property investment in a sought-after part of the north.
Ellipse Waterfall, Waterfall City
Ellipse Waterfall is the first high-rise luxury residential development within Waterfall City. In the first week after this Tricolt development was launched, sales totalled more than R420 million. “This record-breaking achievement speaks to Ellipse Waterfall’s unique value proposition. Its strategic location, coupled with its affordable pricing, pristine surroundings and world-class amenities, makes Ellipse Waterfall very attractive to discerning investors,” says Tim Kloeck, CEO, Tricolt.
Each configuration, from one-bedroom studio apartments, to three-bedroom duplex en-suite penthouses, is designed and finished to the highest standard including Smeg appliances and Caesarstone tops. Duplexes offer living space and include a private rooftop garden, jacuzzi and heated pool.
Based on current progress, construction for Phase 1 of Ellipse is estimated to commence March next year.
The Capital on the Park, Sandton
The recently completed Capital on the Park is a 24,000m2, 30-storey building, developed by The Capital Hotel and Apartments. A mix of a 320-room hotel, conferencing venue and over 100 residential apartments, it’s an antidote to the undersupply of apartments in central Sandton.
“We call it Sandton’s first resort, offering things like kids’ clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as daily activities like whiskey tastings, or lessons from a golf pro at our driving range,” says Marc Wachsberger, managing director, The Capital Hotels and Apartments. “All of those resort services are available for both residents and hotel guests.”
Because these services are complimentary, Wachsberger says that residents meet their neighbours while taking up these activities and services, which speaks to a new way of living and socialising within developments.
Commercial also booming
Riversands Commercial Park, to the north of Joburg, continues to boom. Some years ago, Century Property Developments began the development of a secure industrial complex allowing for retail, commercial and warehousing spaces, along with schools, outdoor recreational spaces and lifestyle apartments.
Walmart bought into the concept, and opened their Riversands Makro branch there, while the Riversands Innovation Hub supports the local entrepreneurial community.
The next development in this commercial park is Riversands Outlet Park offering premium offices, showrooms and light industrial spaces, which will be available from mid-2019. Tenants will be able to choose from completed spec offices as well as customising their own to suit their specific needs.
