From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Property developer Abland and its partners are well into developing the new S&J industrial estate, on the south eastern corridor of Johannesburg, which might become one of the first EcoDistricts-certified precincts outside of North America. Darren Parker tells us more.

Darren Parker:

The S&J industrial estate is being sold and developed into prime warehouses, logistics and distribution centres and light manufacturing facilities.

It is located on the rehabilitated land of the old Simmer and Jack gold mine on Gosforth road, adjacent to the N3 and M2 highways, and forms part of the City of Ekurhuleni’s 11 strategic urban development projects, which are aimed at becoming key drivers of the city’s economic performance.

Abland marketing and leasing director Grant Silverman:

Darren Parker:

Certain elements of the old mine infrastructure will be retained from the Simmer and Jack era. One of these is a mine shaft that will be capped and retained as a feature with a glass floor over the shaft.

Abland’s strategic approach towards providing turnkey warehousing solutions aims to benefit S&J clients, as well as the environment – through the implementation of carbon neutral and sustainable, environment-friendly development principles.

Abland marketing and leasing director Grant Silverman:

Darren Parker:

To date, about 60 000 m² under-roof space has already been developed, with another 60 000 m² currently under construction. The various units being built are designed to tenant specifications and are available from about 4 000 m² to more than 100 000 m².

Among the clients who have started to occupy the space are automotive part distributors, third-party logistics companies and light manufacturing businesses, with logistics and distribution enterprises showing the highest degree of interest.

Abland marketing and leasing director Grant Silverman:

Darren Parker:

Abland has received approval for the rehabilitation of a wetland on the property that fronts the N3 highway. The wetland currently has a low ecological importance and sensitivity score, owing to low biodiversity and species richness.

However, the rehabilitation of the wetland will include the control of alien and invasive vegetation in an environmentally sustainable manner, as well as the introduction of indigenous plant species.

Moreover, a channel will be built in a more flexible and natural manner to facilitate various wetland-related functions such as erosion control, filtration and the support of various bird and insect species.

Abland executive consultant Chantelle Mathomes:

Darren Parker:

The S&J industrial estate’s EcoDistricts application will hopefully see it becoming the first EcoDistricts-certified precinct outside of North America.

EcoDistricts promotes new models of urban development to empower just, sustainable and resilient neighbourhoods. Certification can be achieved if a district demonstrates a commitment to equity, resilience and climate protection through the formation of collaborative governance to oversee planning and implementation.

In addition, the S&J estate is expected to contribute significantly to job creation.

Abland executive consultant Chantelle Mathomes:

Darren Parker:

In future, convenience retail facilities are planned for the main precinct, with flexible corporate space also planned once critical mass is achieved.

Additionally, a conference facility is being planned at one of the old Simmer & Jack winder houses, which will be retained and refurbished for heritage purposes.

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.