SA Affordable Housing May - June 2020 // ISSUE: 82 | Page 27

PROJECT income groups in line with global housing trends. There has proven to be a ready market for the units, as there is not much other serviced residential stock in the area due to lack of available land. Wolmarans says applications have consequently come from all over Johannesburg such as Soweto, Katlehong and Thokoza once they realised the commute even to Sandton, Randburg and the CBD was relatively quick. Most of the residents use public taxis, and a permanent taxi hub is being established on site, alongside a taxi association head office. Security is a major element of the project, and taxi security at the planned transport hub will be provided by means of biometric identification for all taxi drivers. THE SPECS The houses at Sky City come with Tuscan roofs on the buildings, stove, floor tiles, burglar bars, security doors, solar geyser, stand boundary wall, gate, carport and grass. They also boast unique paint colours only available for Sky City in order to stamp its unique identity and character. Phase one of Sky City came prior to The Bronx and included new houses ranging from 40m² (two bed, one bath) to 99m² (double storey three-bed, two bath) which sold from R566 000 with a monthly repayment of R6 200. Over the past three years, the intense process of branding Sky City has turned it into a highly marketable residential hub, and demand has subsequently been strong, says Wolmarans, as by now most people have heard of Sky City. “The value proposition for residents include a relatively easy commute to work, as well as the lifestyle they and their families experience within the development with all the facilities safely enclosed.” The Bronx becomes part of the self-contained Sky City destination with a number of schools, clinics, churches, crèches, as well as council and social facilities. Targeted at lower to middle-income groups (R10 500 – R25 000 per month), the development features an affordably-priced private schools– the phenomenally popular Royal School Sky City – already functioning in the first phase of the development, where provision is made for pre-school, primary- and high-school learners. Transport is available next to the school terrain. Wolmarans says the school is a major drawcard, with the school having already been fully operational by the time the first residents moved into their new houses. Apart from the school, the major drawcard is Sky City Mall, which provides shopping virtually within walking distance of all residents. Many retail brands have moved in, with more to come. The rental units come with fairly luxurious finishes – and to keep them within the affordable price range, Central Developments marketing manager Simphiwe Hlatshwayo explains that every line item is focused on. Affordable housing is one of the major housing categories of the Cosmo Central Group and it has established relationships with all its suppliers. “We’ve been doing affordable housing for more than 25 years now; we understand this business and achieve savings through the specifications, the cost of land and the scale of the project. Over the years we have added more affordable building methods, techniques and designs, and are continually improving the affordability aspect of our model.” While other developers have opted for alternative building materials, Wolmarans says they have remained true to ‘bricks and mortar’ and in fact made the building shell even more robust with thicker conventional 220mm walls. “This eats into our profits a little, but we want a product with greater longevity.” It complies with EDGE requirements, says Wolmarans: EDGE certification for new homes is implemented in South Africa by the Green Building Council South Africa, in partnership with International Finance Corporation (IFC). The EDGE certification can be achieved once a home achieves a 20% reduction across energy consumption, water use and embodied energy in materials. He says it had become an imperative for the company to help its customers reduce BUSINESS TECH The site prior to the start of construction. www.saaffordablehousing.co.za MAY - JUNE 2020 25