Established more than 60 years ago, Randburg is experiencing a long overdue revival after years in the doldrums. The development is designed to ease the demands on the environment by managing water resources, providing sustainable energy and implementing internal waste recycling measures. The commitment to sustainability also extends to the design of buildings through environmentally sound practices such as the installation of double-glazed windows, photo voltaic panels, smart cooling and heating installations and other initiatives.
A progressive, fully-fledged mixed-use precinct, the expansive Devonbosch accommodates a wide range of home and amenity choices in close proximity to each other and within an integrated, walkable environment. Johannesburg developer Renprop, which has built several popular residential projects in the area in recent years, says the node’s affordability, access to good transport networks and attractive shopping opportunities help to fuel demand for residential property. The group expects this trend to continue, especially as neighbouring suburbs such as Bryanston become increasingly expensive.
Considered a premier business and residential node when it was established in 1959, Randburg fell out of favour as Rosebank and Sandton became increasingly popular, particularly over the past two decades. However, in the past few years Randburg’s fortunes have improved, with a rise in office to residential conversions, particularly in the Ferndale area.
NEW LIFE FOR OLD SUBURBS
Reinforcing these improvements is Randburg’s rejuvenated Ferndale On Republic, formerly the Randburg Waterfront, which is now a more modern, attractive retail and entertainment destination teeming with restaurants and sidewalk cafés. “Randburg has a lot of potential, and not only because it’s a newer city suburb compared to others in Johannesburg,” says Renprop’s MD, Chris Renecle. “Apart from its affordability, it’s centrally located and close to Sandton and Rosebank. Randburg also enjoys good transport links thanks to the Gautrain and Metro buses that service the area as well as a bustling taxi rank for commuters. It’s also well located to highway access. Ferndale, in particular, is enjoying a rejuvenation. It caters to the demand for lower property prices, compared to the surrounding suburbs of Bryanston.”
Fern Valley, which is a new Renprop development in the suburb, is currently under construction. “It offers affordable two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments priced from R884,000 on the border of Bryanston,” says Renecle. “We’re experiencing strong demand and the apartments are being sold off-plan with all costs included, as well as transfer duties. We’ve experienced steady sales with 60% of the sixty-six units already sold. We anticipate a handover of the units in the third quarter of 2022.” Renprop also has plans for further development opportunities in the Ferndale area, with Renecle saying the group is “currently looking at another property in Ferndale, closer to Ferndale on Republic.”
