HARVEST PLACE , KEMPTON PARK
Situated in the Riverfields precinct in Kempton Park , Harvest Place is a new convenience centre in an existing , strong retail node . Conveniently located just off Monument Road , in close proximity of the R21 highway , and under 15 minutes to OR Tambo , Harvest Place will service the day to day convenience requirements of this community .
The design approach used at Harvest Place is based on its natural location in an area transforming from agriculture to commercial and residential development to cater for the expansion of the growing city of Ekurhuleni . It is for this reason the name Harvest Place was chosen . After farmers
have gathered their crops of the season they will gather in one place to celebrate the harvesting . This was used as a model for the architecture .
As all things in life will undergo some sort of metamorphosis to adapt to their changing environments , the seed of life represents exactly that . As the seed transforms from a flower it goes through a metamorphosis and turns into a fruit . The fruit contains within it the seed , which falls to the ground , which then grows into another tree . There is a cycle of tree to flower to fruit to seed and back to a tree again .
The aesthetic system of the design reflects on the balance of both the natural and the artificial co-existing . It awakens the transcending ways of looking and experiencing things that coexist with change “ as with the fruit tree ”. It is for this reason that the subtle design elements allow the viewer to participate with it through intuitive appreciation .
Natural landscapes and trees go through a metamorphosis and turn into an architectural forest of concrete and steel structures
combining the relationship between the natural and the artificial .
Developer : Riverfields ; Stonesman Projects Architect : Johan Marais Architects
THE BRICKWORKS DEVELOPMENT , AVOCA , DURBAN
The Avoca landscape is set for a major change as eThekwini Municipality recently signed a historic agreement with Main Street 57 to incentivise the Brickworks Development in the Avoca Development Node , north of Durban . The node measures approximately 350ha in extent , and has a potential capital investment of R10 billion .
Deputy Mayor , Belinda Scott , explained that in terms of socio-economic transformation the Brickworks development will also contribute towards reducing unemployment . Investec Property have committed to ensuring that all contractors during the construction phase will be required to create opportunities for local enterprises wherever possible .
Investec Property intends developing this site in three phases of approximately 30ha of developable land in each phase . The proposed development will require an investment of over R1 billion in infrastructure development over 15 years . This will result in significant risk to the developer , particularly with respect to potential rates increases on the undeveloped phases of the project while developing the first phase .
In order to address these risks , and thereby incentivise Investec Property to proceed with the development , a five-year rates rebate is being proposed for each of the three phases of the development .
Although there will be an anticipated rates rebate of R34 million over the 15-year period , it is estimated that rates income for this site will increase from its current R3,4 million per annum to an estimated R190 million per annum post full development . The intention is for the rebate to cease on an incremental basis as an Occupation Certificate is issued for any completed top structure .
Investec Property Joint Chief Executive David Rosmarin said , “ Through our partnership with Corobrik , who for more than 100 years have provided eThekwini with bricks , we were able to identify this unique opportunity . The collaborative nature of this
undertaking was made possible through eThekwini ’ s innovative establishment of the city ’ s ‘ One Stop ’ Catalytic Project Unit alongside their pro-active and unique Rates Rebate Policy . eThekwini plays an integral role in the economy of South Africa , serving as the logistics hub and main entry port into the country . The Brickworks Development will further strengthen and enhance this role while stimulating regional economic development . Investec Property are proud to be a part of this development and we thank Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and city officials who contributed in bringing this project to fruition .”
Project Watch 15