SMART MOVES
BY ANGIE REDMOND
The Rise Of The Aerotropolis
The new face of commercial investment
M
any city airports have become airport
c it ies, w it h t he rapid e x pa nsion
of airport-linked facilities such as
commercial buildings, warehouses and transport;
the 21st century has embraced the concept of the
‘Aerotropolis’. Dr John Kasarda, a world-renowned
figure for his work on airport cities, is considered the
leading developer of the Aerotropolis concept, an idea
that was named one of the ten ideas that will change
the world by Time magazine in 2011. He explains:
“The Aerotropolis, like any other traditional city,
consists of a central core with rings of development
permeating outwards; unlike a traditional city,
however, the cit y’s core is an airport and all
neighbouring development supports and is supported
in turn by the airport industry.”
One look at city development highlights the strong
relationship between transportation and growth. The
very first modern cities developed around seaports
and then rivers and canals; later it was railways and
highways. And now the in the 21st century, airports
have become the primary drivers of urban growth
and economic success. Gauteng Premier Nomvula
Mokonyane says, “The Aerotropolis should be seen
as a vehicle to position the SA economy among the
world economies. It must be about creating jobs,
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Commercial Handbook 2013
poverty alleviation and the equitable share of business
opportunities.”
Airports are vital contributors to a city’s economy
and the Aerotropolis model could become a major
contributor to economic invigoration. The airport
in Chicago, USA is the second largest office market
in Midwest America, while Washington’s airport
area has more retail sales than any other city besides
Manhattan. A new airport development can stimulate
a struggling economy and generate billions in annual
economic activity, tax revenue and create and sustain
jobs, something sorely needed in South Africa.
Aerotropolis projects
There are a number of exciting and innovative
Aerotropolis projects in the pipeline for South Africa.
This will have a massive impact on commercial
property as new avenues for investment open up. Two
of these projects are Dube City and OR Tambo.
Dube City is the new South African hub of
international trade and business. It is 1km from
the International Terminal, 3.3 km from the N2
and 1.8 km from the R102. It is a unique, vibrant,
cosmopolitan 24-hour work, play and stay destination,
a city that ref lects the unique cultural diversity of
www.reimag.co.za