During the course of last year, a shipping container-inspired building project started its construction process in Caroline Street, Brixton.
Since then growing concern from the Brixton residents and community members has arisen.
These concerns are:
- If the development is incorporating any green spaces within the premise of the development
- if the development is keeping in mind noise reduction measures and the privacy of surrounding residential properties
- If the privacy of surrounding homes will be compromised as a result of the containers towering over houses
- if the development has planned to provide the necessary security for the building once construction has been completed.
- if the development has arranged with Pickitup in terms of the increase of waste disposal once the residence becomes occupied
Brixton ward member René van Niekerk visited the development site to check on the progress, as well as to seek answers from the developer, Citiq, regarding these concerns. “Residents want to be assured that this development is going to approve the area,” said Van Niekerk, who was met by the development foreman Dean Bolton.
Bolton said they would provide for green space on the roof and a section at the bottom of the accommodation. “The whole top section of the development will be a garden, social area, sitting area, plants, and trees. I can’t put up plants that are going to be eye sores, I want to put something up that is nice and recyclable. The whole roof of the development is definitely an intended plant and green area,” he said.
Regarding the possibilities of noise reduction, Bolton said arrangements will be made to reduce the level of noise from the residence itself.
The planting of large trees at the back of the residence would reduce the noise levels and grant surrounding neighbours the privacy they require, according to Bolton. “The windows of the apartments will be tinted, which means the residential property next door will not have their privacy violated.”
Van Niekerk also raised concerns about the maintenance and restoration of the heritage buildings opposite the development site.
“We’ve only got about two or three of these types of buildings left in Gauteng,” said Van Niekerk.
Bolton assured that they intend to refurbish and restore the buildings to their original form.
“It was one of the first things we discussed before the development began… These facilities would then be used as administration offices,” said Bolton.
Regarding security measures and waste disposal plans, Bolton said, “We are planning on providing the appropriate security measures for the development, one of which will be a bio fingerprint system. We will have CCTV cameras in place that will monitor the street surrounding the entrance of the accommodation. We make use of our own security services and our own security entrances.
He continued “We want to be on the right side of the community. We want to have the community grow and prosper.”
The development aims to have the construction finished and ready by the end of January.
Citiq has been at odds with Melville residents before, with the development of the 27 Boxes project at Faan Smit Park.
