Commercial real estate developer, Abcon Developments, has a long history of delivering quality spaces in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors. JANE MAYNE chatted to Managing Director Bryce O’Donnell about the evolution of urban development and creating lifestyle-centric hubs that cater to modern needs.
Are mixed-use precincts leading the charge in urban nodes in SA – if so, is this in keeping with international trends?
Yes, mixed-use precincts continue to be at the forefront of urban development in South Africa. These developments offer integrated environments where people can live, work and socialise, reducing urban sprawl and enhancing economic activity. Internationally, cities like London, New York and Sydney have successfully adopted this model, leveraging transit-oriented developments and smart city principles to create sustainable, pedestrian-friendly hubs. In South Africa, mixed-use precincts address infrastructural inefficiencies, security concerns and the growing demand for convenience-driven lifestyles, making them increasingly attractive to investors and residents alike.
What are the advantages of these integrated developments?
Mixed-use developments provide several benefits: Convenience and efficiency – having residential, commercial, retail and recreational spaces within a single precinct reduces travel time and enhances accessibility; sustainability – these developments encourage walking and cycling, incorporate green building principles and optimise land use; community – with shared public spaces, residents and businesses interact more, fostering a sense of belonging; and integrated developments offer better security and infrastructure management (For example, backup power, water storage), making them more resilient in times of crisis.
Are multifunctional precincts a stepping stone to the smart city concept?
Absolutely. Smart cities rely on seamless integration of services, infrastructure and technology to improve urban living. Mixed-use precincts already lay the groundwork for smart cities by centralising essential services, encouraging efficient transport networks, enabling smart infrastructure (automated energy management, water recycling, etc), encourage data-driven urban planning and leverage technology to improve safety and accessibility. These developments pave the way for broader smart city initiatives by proving the viability of interconnected urban hubs.
How do you see urban development evolving in the next 10 years?
Over the next decade, urban development will be shaped by several key factors:
Green Building and sustainability: Developers will prioritise net-zero carbon initiatives, water conservation and renewable energy.
Technology integration: AI-driven building management, IoT-based security and predictive maintenance will become standard.
Hybrid work: Office spaces will shift towards more flexible, communal environments within precincts.
Densification and vertical development: To counter urban sprawl, cities will adopt vertical mixed-use models.
Mobility solutions: Improved public transport, EV charging networks and pedestrian-friendly city planning will become priorities.
Sandton Gate was developed by Tiber and Abcon Developments.
Your portfolio includes several high-profile developments – are there any that you are most proud of; or were particularly challenging in some way?
Each project has unique significance, but highlights include:
S&J Business Park: Africa’s first EcoDistrict, setting new sustainability benchmarks for industrial estates.
Sandton Gate: A premium mixed-use precinct that integrates urban living, commercial hubs, and green spaces seamlessly.
Waterfall Walk: An example of modern retail evolution, designed for high convenience and community engagement.
How do you weigh up sustainability, convenience, and community-focused design in your work?
Our approach is holistic, ensuring each project balances sustainability, convenience and community focus.
Can you expand on the importance of precinct management?
Precinct management is crucial in ensuring long-term success. Well-managed precincts offer better safety and security with controlled access and rapid response capabilities; better maintenance and infrastructure upkeep with regard to roads, lighting, landscaping and other facilities; reliable power, water and digital connectivity; and tenant and community engagement is high because of regular communication between stakeholders.
Where do you see the most demand in terms of commercial, retail, and industrial?
Commercial: Premium office spaces in well-managed precincts remain in demand.
Retail: Convenience-driven, lifestyle-oriented centres with entertainment and hospitality anchors are thriving.
Industrial: Logistics and warehousing, especially near transport corridors, are experiencing high demand due to e-commerce growth.
Any observations in terms of inner-city development nationally?
There is a growing movement towards inner-city revitalisation, with outdated office buildings being repurposed for mixed-use residential developments, catering to young professionals. Cape Town is seeing better success here.
What insights have you gleaned since being engaged in property development?
Location remains paramount, but tenant experience is equally critical.
Flexibility is key in uncertain markets.
Sustainability is not a luxury but a necessity.
Technology is transforming property management and tenant expectations.
What’s top of mind when you embark on a new development?
Market demand – understanding the needs of tenants and businesses – as well as long-term viability to ensure adaptability to future trends and risk management – economic factors, infrastructure stability, regulatory compliance, etc.
Any exciting upcoming projects?
We are continuously expanding our portfolio with forward-thinking developments. Notable upcoming projects include:
Phase 2 of Sandton Gate: A major expansion incorporating more office and retail space.
New Hertford Office Park Building: Strengthening Midrand’s commercial landscape.
Continued growth at S&J Business Park: Pioneering industrial sustainability.
It’s a competitive market, what sets Abcon apart?
Integrated, mixed-use masterplanning – creating lifestyle-centric hubs that cater to modern urban needs; positioning projects in high-demand growth areas; ensuring long-term asset value and superior tenant experiences with excellent precinct management and our focus on green-certified, future-proof developments.
To keep up to date with Abcon development see here.
Africa’s first EcoDistrict – S&J Business Park
