AMDEC GROUP Page 11
An excellent example of New Urbanism is one of Amdec Group ’ s flagship developments , Melrose Arch . Strategically positioned in relation to OR Tambo
International Airport and the Sandton and Johannesburg CBDs , Melrose Arch comprises 200 000m ² of mixed-use development with 350 000 m ² of planned future phases , generating an ultimate value in excess of R 16.5 billion .
By definition , New Urbanism is focused on pedestrian-friendly spaces that contribute to the convenience that most modern consumers are looking for . Melrose Arch , which has been under development by Amdec Group since 2005 , serves as a prime example of the vision that the company has for future projects .
“ As a resident of the area you can walk from any location of the precinct to another ,” says Stopforth . “ Starting at
5 a . m ., you can go to the gym , have a shower , walk across to a coffee shop and order breakfast . Then you can walk to your office , conduct business , meet a client for lunch at one of the restaurants . If you ’ re a resident , you don ’ t need to drive anywhere . The point is that all your daily needs are within walking distance .”
While convenience remains the biggest driver of mixed-use developments , in South Africa one cannot ignore the critical aspect of security . Centralisation and proximity to facilities , combined with pleasing aesthetics and a strong sense of community living , all have to be underpinned by excellent security .
“ Security continues to be one of our biggest operating expenses . Access control , surveillance and physical security are all centrally operated ,” Stopforth explains . “ What sets new urban precincts apart is that they include a great deal of virtual security in addition to hard security access points and technology . The mere fact that there ’ s human presence and constant monitoring makes these nodes harder for criminals to target .”
Another major consideration for property investors is proximity to schools . Stopforth notes that this is where strategic location of the mixed-use development plays a major role . The challenge is that schools need access to vast expanses of open space to accommodate sports fields , swimming pools and classrooms for learner bodies in excess of a thousand . But primary space requirements stand in the way of including schools in mixed-use developments . New Urbanism precincts could potentially include schools , but given the spatial requirements , they aren ’ t a significant factor in the planning and construction process . Larger estates that try to integrate retail , corporate and residential property with schools inadvertently become less pedestrian-friendly , which compromises the New Urbanism approach . The alternative is to examine the strategic location of mixed use in relation to established schools in surrounding areas . mixed-use developments