A mega city to be built on 250ha of land on the banks of the Vaal River, with 6km of river frontage, will provide a significant boost to the local economy, 5 000 housing units and spinoffs for the tourism sector.
The Vaal City development spans the upper end of Vanderbijlpark, Sharpville and Emfuleni city through to Sasolburg and the Vaal.This R11 billion mega settlement in the Sedibeng district is one of five ‘corridors’ identified by the Gauteng Provincial Government for housing and other economic development.
The Vaal City development spans the upper end of Vanderbijlpark, Sharpville and Emfuleni city through to Sasolburg and the Vaal. Once a thriving hub of the steel industry, this key industrial node in the south of Gauteng will benefit from private sector investment to the tune of more than R4 billion.
Working in partnership with local government, the Vaal River City Development Company (PTY) Ltd, a BEE consortium involved in property development and property holding, is headed up by Reggie Kukama with Steyn City CEO Giuseppe Plumari as a shareholder. Plumari says it is the most prominent land available in the region, situated close to the R59, R42 and ideally located not far from Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and Sasolburg.
Until now, ‘”ordinary people” were not able to access the riverfront as all the land on the shoreline of the Vaal is privately owned, says Kukama. “The new city will open this up to the public, offering a new waterfront and tourism destination, and will be a blueprint for the development of future cities.”
Nishal Mistry, one of the DBM architects working on the project says the architectural intent for the Vaal City Development is to create a “thriving metropolitan centre with wholesome, safe, family-orientated living that is properly integrated into the existing neighbouring communities.”During the construction, in the region of 7 500 jobs will be created, with an estimated 19 000 in the operational phase and more further down the line. It will act as a catalyst for further development in the area and provide an environmental framework, says Kukama.
The development includes 400 000sqm of offices, 60 000sqm of retail and hospitality, 20ha of parkland green open space and a bird sanctuary.
Vaal City will also be home to a new local government precinct, including municipal offices, court of law, government departments and services. Down the line there are plans to build two universities in the area.
The central location will provide easy access to amenities for its new residents as well as those living in surrounding areas. “It is hoped that around 60% of the housing units will be bought and occupied by people living in the Vaal area,” says Kukama.
Residential will comprise 20-25% of the development, with plans for 5 000 much-needed homes and plenty of open space, which will offer buyers a lifestyle near the water’s edge where they can enjoy the walkways, birdwatching and picnic spots.
Kukama says the river city will “capture the historical legacy of our country” featuring artwork and sculptures, and cultural sites and architecture that reflect the history of the area.
“Most major cities are on a river, this was a huge opportunity as most other waterways in South Africa are privatised, but this precinct model meant the general public would have greater accessibility,” says Kukama. “Offering cycle tracks, pedestrian pathways, a Metropolitan bus system, civic centre, medical and educational facilities, this development will cater to a variety of individuals and the broader communities.”
The new development company owns the land outright and has the commitment of government to partner with them towards contributing services and infrastructure, says Plumari. “This new mega settlement is an excellent opportunity for investors who want to assist government in their development criteria for future generations.”
Nishal Mistry, one of the DBM architects working on the project says the architectural intent for the Vaal City Development is to create a “thriving metropolitan centre with wholesome, safe, family-orientated living that is properly integrated into the existing neighbouring communities.” – Julia Hinton
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