Plans for street mall upgrade discussed
BLAIRGOWRIE – Johannesburg Development Agency is planning an extensive upgrade for the Hill Street Mall.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) plans to improve the public environment in the Randburg CBD by upgrading the Hill Street Mall.
The entity organised a public meeting at the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre on 26 January, to discuss this upgrade with interested and affected parties.
The upgrade is the first phase of the three-phase Randburg Precinct Upgrade.
Details of the next two phases need to be finalised, but the JDA hopes to improve public transport in the CBD by introducing the Gautrain and Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. During the meeting, residents heard of plans to construct a modern pedestrian mall along Hill Street between Pretoria and Kent avenues, with shops and trees on the sides and a paved walkway in the middle.
A children’s playground and sculpture may also be constructed. Construction will start in March, and is hoped to be completed by July, said Ciaran Chidley, public participation consultant for Nemai Consulting, who are consulting for the JDA.
“We want to make the area more manageable,” said Andrew Luke, urban designer for Gaap Architects and Urban Designers, who are also consulting for the JDA.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said, “The upgrade of Hill Street is needed… I hope that the upgrade of the Randburg Square, the development of DSTV, the proposed upgrade of Hill Street will encourage other property owners to also upgrade their buildings, all for a better Randburg.”
Details: Johannesburg Development Agency info@jda.org.za or 11 688 7851, Ward 102 councillor David Potter david@oursuburb.co.za
