Atterbury, the SA-based devleopers have announced that they will break ground on Barlow Park, a new mixed-use development this month.
Barlow Park located in Sandton, will provide middle income housing right on the doorstep of SA’s business capital, Sandton Central.
Bulk earthworks for the first phase of the R3bn project started in June 2022 as Atterbury transforms the landmark site from the corporate park that previously housed industrial group Barloworld’s corporate office and logistics and equipment head offices into a a “modern residential-anchored mixed-use neighbourhood”, according to Atterbuy.
Property investor and developer Atterbury, which is heading the development in conjunction with Barloworld, was awarded the development in 2017 based on its vision for a mixed-use precinct on the site. Mixed-use precincts are gaining in popularity in SA private investors can use them to provide different property types which SA’s citizens desperately need, such as housing, community shopping space and small industrial space.
Originally envisioned as an office-focused project due to start in April 2020, the Covid-19 lockdown paused its development. By introducing Divercity as co-developer, and due to their success with the recently launched Jewel City precinct, Atterbury and Divercity have now re-shaped the development into what is expected to be a “top-notch residential-anchored modern multi-use neighbourhood”.
“After broad and deep consideration of the property market, it became clear to us that an affordable, secure residential lifestyle development is the best use for this land. We could not be more pleased with the new plans for this property. As a unique site in an excellent location, Barlow Park will be transformed into a multifaceted neighbourhood of matchless quality, designed for the ultimate in convenient, enjoyable and affordable living in Sandton’s very latest world-class development,” said Derrick Pautz, Atterbury Head of Developments for Gauteng.
The project lies at the connection point between Sandton and Alexandra, menaing the Barlow Park development is ideally positioned to provide a positive impact on its immediate community.
It will create local economic and job opportunities during construction and for years to come after its completion, while meeting some of the significant need for quality, connected residential accommodation in the area, Pautz said.
Dominic Sewela, Group Chief Executive Officer of Barloworld said the investment and partnership in Barlow Park aligned closely to the commitment by the company to drive growth and unlock value in all its assets.
“This development reflects our ethos of delivering value over the long term and drive growth and progress in society. We are building on our rich company history and want to leave a legacy of growth and opportunities in the communities where we operate as well as for future generations,” he said.
Through its association with Divercity Urban Property Fund, Atterbury became aware of the constant demand for quality affordable housing in prime locations in Johannesburg. Atterbury introduced Divercity as a partner in the Barlow Park development. Divercity specialises in residential-focused mixed-use developments and will play a crucial role as joint development managers with Atterbury.
“Barlow Park is a breakthrough in the housing landscape in South Africa. This will be the first truly affordable rental precinct in such a premium node and will offer unmatched value for residential tenants. Through a combination of affordable pricing, exceptional location and diverse amenities we will set a new benchmark for the industry. We are extremely proud to bring this to the market,” said Jonathan Reader, chief investment officer at Divercity.
Moolman Group and Twin City Development, are also co-investing in the development.
The new Barlow Park development will include 4,100 affordable residential units in 11 apartment blocks, which will be served by free-for-resident amenities such as a recreation centre, clubhouse, pool, business centre, coffee shop, gym and sports facilities.
Barlow Park’s public space will include 5,500sqm of retail in a vibrant open-air street-level neighbourhood convenience centre anchored by Checkers and Clicks. The development plan allows for a primary school, high school and pre-school, a medical centre, as well as shared office space with a Curro DigiEd high school secured in the first phase opening.
Starting to the west end of the site, at its accessible main entrance from Katherine Street, the first phase of the development will include the convenience retail, the high school, and the 750 residential units that make up the first two apartment blocks. Barlow Park will be developed out towards the east of the precinct, with the second phase of 860 units in the next two residential blocks planned to commence a year later. The roll-out of the Barlow Park development will respond to demand, with the entire project expected to take six to eight years to develop.
Alistair Anderson