Magaliessig office park development imminent
MAGALIESSIG - Property development company Abland has told Magaliessig residents of an imminent Monte Circle development.
In a 2 September meeting facilitated by Magaliessig Action Forum, Abland informed residents of planned developments on vacant land between William Nicol Drive, Montecasino Boulevard and Shingara Sands residential complex. Building will commence almost immediately, with bulk excavation scheduled for 8 September.
Abland’s development manager, Janet Glendinning, revealed plans for a spacious office park in “modernised Tuscan style” echoing Montecasino’s signature theme, and suggested residents would benefit from a development that would remain quiet and empty over weekends.
They said construction would start on a three-storey office building. This first building was expected to be complete in nine to 10 months, but the entire project could last up to six years.
However, Abland’s managing director, Richard Cottrill, assured residents that plans take cognizance of their needs. Perimeter buildings closest to residences would not exceed two storeys, while the tallest structures, along Montecasino Boulevard, would reach only three to four storeys. Although the outcome of a traffic impact assessment was pending, Abland also anticipated upgrades to nearby roads.
Residents expressed frustration at the short notice given, but Mike Hogan of Magaliessig Action Forum praised Abland’s willingness to engage.
“This is a balancing act between what is economically viable for the developer, and what the residents want,” he added.
Cottrill emphasised that development of vacant veld reduces security risks, and suggested locals would benefit from the use of Montecasino’s high-level security system. Disputing suggestions that property values would drop, Cottrill claimed that the development would resolve potential buyers’ concerns about the future of the empty land and draw residents to the area.
Residents raised concerns about security and noise during construction, but Cottrill said workers would not sleep onsite, while late-night and weekend work would be minimal. Environmental queries were met with assurances that the development would qualify for a Green Star rating of four.
Cottrill was more reticent about Signature Square, a second, mixed-use development intended for a nearby property, saying that construction on that site would begin later.
The meeting ended positively, with one resident stating, “A controlled office development is the answer to what we are looking for.”
Details: Janet.Glendinning@abland.co.za; 079 865 8601; www.abland.co.za
