Between rapid urban growth, demand for mixed‑use precincts, and increasing focus on sustainable design and connectivity, several major commercial property developments are gaining momentum in Johannesburg.
WORDS & PHOTOS: NEWSROOM
Here are a few key projects that promise to change the cityscape and economic dynamics over the next few years.
Bankenveld District City
Developer(s): Calgro M3 & Eris Property Group
Location: North of Johannesburg, between Sandton and Waterfall, adjacent to the Marlboro Gautrain station; with access to N3 and M1 highways.
Scale & Features:
- The project covers about 300 hectares.
- It will deliver 20,000–30,000 housing units, including affordable housing options.
- Commercial, retail, industrial, logistics, educational and health facilities are all part of the mix. In particular, up to ~500,000 m² of warehouse & logistics / commercial space are planned.
- A ~30,000 m² shopping centre is included.
- Roughly 34% of the site is earmarked for infrastructure and open/green infrastructure: roads, stormwater management, recreational and green belt areas.
- Emphasis on connectivity (road/highway exposure, proximity to airports, Gautrain etc.), sustainable building, and human‑centred design.
Timeline / Status:
- Land acquisition, planning, and approvals have been completed or are in progress.
- Bulk and link infrastructure works to begin in Q1 2025.
- Though full build‑out will be phased over many years, some sources project major components to be completed by end of 2026 for early phases.
Estimated Value: ~R18 billion over the life of the project.
Bankenveld aims to bridge existing gaps—housing, infrastructure, commercial/industrial capacity—between high‑demand nodes like Sandton/Waterfall, while applying modern sustainable practices, and improving connectivity. Its scale and mixed‑use nature make it a potential game‑changer for how Johannesburg expands northward.
Olympus Sandton (Sandton Summit Precinct)
Developer(s): Growthpoint Properties in partnership with Tricolt
Location: Sandton Summit precinct, along Rivonia Road / near Katherine Drive in Sandton.
Scale & Features:
- Mixed‑use towers: Two residential towers, one of 26 storeys (first phase) and a second of ~16 storeys.
- Total of ~512 apartments across both towers.
- A dining venue by Marble Hospitality Group in an upper floor, plus a “Pantry” convenience retail store at ground level.
- Sustainable design features: targeting Green Star rating, smart energy management, post‑tension slabs etc.
- Price range: from ≈ R1.49 million for smaller units to R14‑R45 million for penthouses.
- Views: the first tower will be among the highest (or highest) in Sandton, offering broad skyline views.
Timeline / Status:
- Public sales launched on 27 February 2025.
- Construction expected to begin in latter half of 2025 (tower 1) and early 2026 (tower 2).
Olympus Sandton fits into a global trend of live‑work‑amenity precincts, bringing residential density closer to jobs and retail, reducing commute times, and offering high‑end living in central precincts. For investors and residents alike, its premium positioning in Sandton is a draw, especially given its amenities and proximity to major nodes.
Gateway East, Waterfall City
Developer: Attacq (Waterfall City Management)
Location: Waterfall City, Midrand region, roughly midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Integrated with Mall of Africa and close to major highways & transport infrastructure (Gautrain etc.).
Scale & Features:
- Office & lifestyle development with approximately 10,000 m² gross lettable area (GLA).
- Design is flexible: includes collaboration hubs, outdoor terraces, shaded seating, green open areas, premium signage, efficient layouts (~90% efficiency).
- High connectivity: direct access to major highways; proximity to three major airports (including OR Tambo); minutes from Midrand Gautrain station.
- Integrated with Waterfall City’s existing live‑work‑amenity ecosystem: retail, residential, restaurants, logistics etc.
Timeline / Status:
- Public launch announced 30 June 2025.
- As of mid‑2025, development is underway / being marketed. Completion dates not published yet.
Gateway East responds to demand for modern, flexible premium office space in well‑connected nodes. Its design for wellbeing (outdoor terraces, natural light etc.), and its strategic placement in Waterfall City make it attractive for corporates wanting high quality space that is accessible and tied into urban amenities.
What these Projects Tell Us
- Connectivity and location are king.
Projects like Bankenveld and Gateway East emphasise proximity to major highways, public transport (especially Gautrain), and access to airports. This reflects demand for reducing commuting time, easing logistics, and integrating mobility. - Mixed‑use is the trend.
Rather than purely office or pure residential, these developments combine housing, retail, commercial, industrial, and green/open spaces. This allows live‑work‑play models and can increase density while improving quality of life. - Sustainability & design quality.
Green building standards, efficient layouts, open spaces, and human‑centred amenities are increasingly important flourishes, not extras. They are central to the design. - Housing affordability/inclusivity increasingly part of the equation.
Bankenveld especially includes affordable housing; there’s recognition that bigger projects must address not only high‑end markets but also more moderate income groups. - Phased deployment & long horizons.
These are multi‑year endeavors, many built in phases. While infrastructure works, approvals, land acquisition happen early, full realization of the projects may stretch over 5‑10+ years.Top picture: Gateway East.
