The growth and development of strategic economic nodes into high-quality, investor friendly and sustainable urban environments is one of the underlying outcomes for the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA’s) implementation of area-based developments and regeneration projects.
As urban densities continue to rise, the JDA also plays a key role in greening of Joburg’s public spaces – particularly buildings and parks – through its public environment upgrades. The agency has also taken the lead in a number of park upgrade and creation projects across the city.
While the revamping of existing parks, and establishing of new ones, is chiefly a function of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the JDA has been playing the role of a major partner in upgrading and creating a number of new parks.
This World Environmental Day we look at the public parks, and other notable greening projects, that have been driven by the JDA:
Westbury Transformation Development Centre (WTDC)
Once complete, Westbury Transformation Development Centre (WTDC) will boast the tallest green screen wall and incorporate green building elements such as double glazing and rain water harvesting.
The R67-million facility will provide opportunities for social interaction and caters for different sporting codes thus contributing in empowering and motivating youth and sports fans participate in sport and improve their life style. The centre seeks to also include the elderly, by having a day care which will have daily activities to keep them young at heart.
Metro Park, Newtown
The R16-million Metro Park was opened in the commercial and residential hub of Newtown, to offer a social and recreational space to inner-city workers and residents who do not have the luxury of green spaces.
The park was recognised by the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) as an excellent example of construction design at the annual South African Green Industries Council convention.
Jeppe Park Upgrade
The construction of the R12.4-million Jeppe Park, a gathering place for families, social groups and a place to get healthy and fit, started in December 2017. The upgrade of Jeppe Park consist of natural, semi-natural ,planted space set aside for human enjoyment and recreation for the protection of natural habitats- a space for health fitness. It features grassy areas, rocks, soil and trees to provide an intrinsic environmental space.
Westbury Clinic
The State-of-the-art health facility, Westbury Clinic, won first prize at the Berlin World Architecture Festival in 2017 in the Health Completed Buildings category.
The courtyard of the clinic is the green lung of the facility. In this area, planted trees creating shaded seating areas encourage patients to wait outside, where the chance of transmission of airborne disease is greatly reduced. Its R33-million construction, implemented by the JDA, began in April 2014.
Issued by:
Johannesburg Development Agency
Susan Monyai
Email: smonyai@jda.org.za