Housing in Southern Africa April 2015

Infrastructure & Mixed Use

Rosebank’s new high rise

A ccording to PamGolding Group Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Golding, “This development is bold in its conception and will offer a sophisticated urban-green lifestyle. Residents of Park Central will not only appreciate the magnificent sky gardens, manicured parks and roof gardens, but will also enjoy easy access to a host of facilities. The homes will offer a wholly distinctive Johannesburg living experience and a unique investment opportunity.” Park Central one and twobedroom apartments and three bedroom penthouse units will be sold off-plan and are priced from R1,75 million for an entry-level apartment. Golding says that the development is due for completion by November 2018. This is an indication of just how much confidence Redefine Proper- ties, which is the second largest listed South African-based property company, has in the future of the Rosebank precinct. “There has been an ever-growing demand for secure, upmarket sec- tional title residential property in the area in recent years,” he adds. “The fact that Park Central will be situated in central Rosebank in close proximity to the Gautrain Station, Rosebank Mall as well as a number of office parks, company headquarters and other commercial facilities, will only assist to stimulate demand.” he says. Dewald Veldsman of Paragon

Park Central is a multi-million rand, high-rise residential apartment block being developed on the corner of Baker Street andKeyes Avenue inRosebank. TheRedefineProperties development, well-located in one of Johannesburg’s most dynamic and rapidly developing growth nodes, will roll out 445 urban green lifestyle apartments.

be designed to take climate and con- text into consideration and reduce the need for energy to warm or cool the apartments. The building will also employ alternative power sup- plies such as gas to reduce electricity consumption and reduce reliance on the power grid. “These homes have broad ap- peal as is evidenced by the fact that executives, business commuters, single professionals and couples have all already shown an interest in Park Central,” adds Strauss. “We have also received a number of enquiries from international inves- tors, as well as from other countries in Africa.” Strauss says that rental market in Rosebank is benefitting from the shortage of quality of accommoda- tion that is currently available in the area. He adds that the fact that Rose- bank is not only a vibrant commercial area in itself, but is also situated close to Sandton, the financial capital of the African continent, only adds to the demand for homes in the area. ■

Architects says the building will form part of an integrated urban precinct, with a vision to include pedestrian links via the parks to the Gautrain Station through to the Rosebank Mall to assist residents to achieve a integrated lifestyle. The design is strongly influenced by French-Swiss architect Le Cor- busier who between 1931 and 1933, developed the concept of ‘The Radi- ant City’. Le Corbusier suggested that city planning and building design should always consider the sun, sky, trees, steel and cement in that order of importance. A great deal of atten- tion has been paid to environmental factors with regards to the design of Park Central, as well as in the design of the individual units. Some of the design elements in Park Central include sky gardens or vertical forests that offer a means to bring green living to high-density design. Veldman says that the building is designed to be climate responsive and achieve maximum use of light and energy sources. Glazing will also

April 2015