WORDS: BETSIE LOOCK-VAN DER MERWE | IMAGES: RENE WALKER & GOOGLE MAPS
Being developed in the 1990s on a piece of land right in the middle of the then already well-established hub of Centurion, the suburb of Highveld today offers one of the most central and convenient locations in this region.
The land previously belonged to the state-owned enterprise Denel and remained vacant for a period amidst the boom in development of the surrounding area. This suburb alongside the N1 highway midway between Pretoria and Midrand particularly meets the accommodation needs of the many students and young people studying and working in the area or commuting between Pretoria and Joburg.
Highveld is also within easy access of the N14 and R21 freeways, linking it to Lanseria International Airport (40km) and OR Tambo International Airport (50km) respectively. The suburb is about 5km from the Centurion Gautrain station and it’s also served by the Gautrain and municipal bus services.
Highveld offers almost unbeatable convenience as far as accessibility to every basic as well as luxury service and amenity is concerned. The suburb boasts its own shopping centres, health and fi tness centres, industrial, commercial and retail areas, and is situated within minutes from an array of church denominations, medical services, sport and recreational facilities as well as technology and other professional services.
Property
Highveld’s residential area lends itself perfectly to the young, middle-income buyer, small family or the investor interested in the residential and commercial rental market. The bulk of properties in this suburb comprises small to sizable lock-up-and-go apartments as well as townhouses in complexes and estates inhabited (rented or owned) by students, young couples and starter-up families.
Almost 70% of stable property owners in Highveld is under 50, with the biggest proportion (53,8%) being between 36 and 49. However, at the top end of the residential market, one will also find some lovely, spacious, luxurious family homes in security estates suitable for the well-established, bigger family.
Property values vary from about R550,000 for a one-bedroom fl at to R3m+ for a large freestanding family home, while the average estimated value for apartments currently is on R900,000 and that of a house on R2m. Several commercial properties are also available to let or for sale in this highly sought-after location in the heart of Centurion.
Schools
As far as preschool and daycare amenities are concerned, Highveld off ers more than enough fine facilities that are situated in the neighbourhood. Primary school and high school learners residing in Highveld can attend a school of their choice close by in one of the neighbouring suburbs.
Both Irene Primary School, which boasts a proud history of almost 120 years, and Laerskool Doringkloof Primary, a parallel-medium school established in 1978, are situated a few minutes’ drive from Highveld, while the newly built Centurion Primary School is just across from the highway in Zwartkop.
The latter neighbouring suburb also homes Hoërskool Zwartkop, which is about 7km from Highveld. High school learners can also attend either Hoërskool Centurion or Lyttelton Manor High School.
Independent schools in the area include Abbotts College Centurion, Trinity House Centurion, and the prestigious Southdowns
College.
Centurion is home to an array of post-school educational institutions like Technicol SA College, Centurion Campus – Tshwane South TVET College, The Open Window Institute for Arts and Digital Sciences, Centurion Academy, and Prue Leith Chef’s Academy.
Explore
Nestling in a southwestern corner of Highveld, one will find the Luton Valley Bird Sanctuary where a small dam and vegetation provide a habitat to numerous bird species and some small animals. A maintained hiking trail of just under 1km meanders through open grassland and a variety of indigenous trees can be seen.
Capital Craft
Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve is situated approximately 15km east of Highveld. By car it’s a mere 20 minutes’ drive to this reserve with its waving grasslands and abundance of fauna and flora. Nature lovers will have a chance to see herds of game and, if you’re fortunate, some rhino during game drives departing from the Rietvlei Coffee Shop in the reserve. The reserve has quite a few bird-hides as well and fishing and hiking opportunities are also offered.
The Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain & Animal Farm lies about 10km to Highveld’s west and offers an animal farm, kids’ playground, picnic and braai facilities and some historical reminders of the two battles that took place in the area during the First Anglo-Boer War.
Bishop Bird Park is situated directly north of this terrain. This nature area attracts many bird watchers and dogs on leashes are allowed at the bird park.
“It’s easy to live here, transport is hassle-free, the neighbours are friendly, and everything I need is just around the corner” FRANNA CHAMPION, RESIDENT
SHOP
- Eco Boulevard: serves the residential community and office patrons in the area
- Highveld Shopping Centre: convenience is tops at this accessible neighbourhood centre
- Southdowns Shopping Centre: upmarket lifestyle centre with a great variety
- Centurion Lifestyle Centre: over 90 shops to choose from
- Centurion Mall: comprehensive super-regional mall offering boundless shopping opportunities
EAT
- Capital Craft, Centurion: enormous selection of craft beers, great food
- Wise Crax, Centurion: lots of burgers, beers, quizzes and fun
- Urban Bistro: modern coffee shop, bakery and bistro-style restaurant
- Kauai: health-conscious smoothie and snack chain
- Poor Guys Fast Food: value-for-money takeaway food
HOSPITALS
- Centurion Day Hospital
- Netcare Unitas Hospital
- Centurion Eye Hospital
- Lyttelton Clinic
- Mediclinic Midstream
