PROJECTVIEW
7 CHAIN AVENUE, PHASE 2, MONTAGUE GARDENS
Growthpoint Properties has commenced the next phase of redevelopment at 7 Chain Avenue in Montague Gardens, building on the strong performance of the site’ s recently completed Phase 1. Phase 2 follows the successful delivery of Phase 1, which was completed in the first quarter of 2024. That initial phase saw the partial redevelopment of underutilised buildings with outdated specifications into 6,843m ² of modern, subdivisible A-grade warehousing and logistics space.“ The positive outcome of the first phase of the redevelopment validated both the location and our investment thesis for the site,” says Jason Reeves, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Logistics and Industrial.“ Demand for high-quality industrial space in Montague Gardens remains exceptionally strong, with very limited vacancies in the node. The rapid take-up of Phase 1 reinforced our confidence to proceed with the next stage of redevelopment.” Phase 2 will deliver two modern, fully compliant A-grade warehouse units with a combined gross lettable area of 10,674m ². The redevelopment introduces significantly improved yard layouts, generous internal stacking heights and food-grade flooring, positioning the asset to meet the operational requirements of contemporary industrial occupiers while future-proofing its longterm performance.
LERATONG MALL, LERATONG CITY
A landmark 35,000m ² regional shopping mall, Leratong City forms the centrepiece of a transformative 350-hectare mixed-use development in Gauteng. Designed by MDS Architecture, the project represents McCormick Property Development’ s( MPD) 88th retail development and one of its largest to date.
Located at the strategic intersection of major routes connecting Mogale City, Soweto, Randfontein, Merafong, Roodepoort, Florida and Johannesburg, the mall will serve as the commercial anchor for a broader nodal development.
MDS Architecture’ s design approach centres on creating spaces that extend beyond traditional retail functionality to foster genuine community interaction. The mall’ s most distinctive feature is a central amphitheatre space that will accommodate community events, performances and informal social gatherings while integrating seamlessly with the building’ s circulation system.
“ Our approach to Leratong City was fundamentally about creating a space that serves the community beyond transactional retail,” explains Louis Pretorius, partner at MDS Architecture.“ This project required us to think deeply about how architecture can foster genuine community interaction while delivering a worldclass retail experience.”
The design concept references the mining industry in homage to the location’ s deep roots in early mining activity in the area. The mall’ s primary access points feature striking angular steel structures, inspired by mining headgear, that function as both weather protection and landmark elements. These sculptural canopies extend significantly beyond the building envelope, creating dramatic geometric forms visible from the surrounding road network.
The interior design strategy emphasises spatial experiences that encourage exploration. The main circulation spine features a geometric ceiling treatment resembling an open-cast mine, punctuated by strategic skylights that create dynamic light and shadow effects.
Leratong City will set a benchmark in self-sufficiency, harnessing 3.3 MWdc of installed solar capacity through rooftop panels. The installed capacity comprises 21 x 120kW inverters( 2.52 MWac) and 5,376 PV modules( 3.3 MWdc).
Construction is on schedule for an October 2026 opening, marking a significant milestone for community-centred commercial development and South African retail architecture.
36 Project Watch