Following various design workshops around the Grant Avenue Precinct Plan, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) hosted a feedback meeting on the draft plan last week.
The meeting took place in Norwood and saw the entity meet with various stakeholders to address issues raised concerning the precinct plan. Speaking at the meeting was Christo Botes, development facilitation executive manager at the agency, who explained that the precinct plan was still in its drafting phase and that nothing had been approved.
“Tonight’s meeting is basically focused on reporting back on issues raised and is still open to input from stakeholders affected by the plan,” Botes explained.
He further explained that the JDA would still carry out design workshops and feedback meetings on the plan before a final plan is formulated. This final plan would, once all the issues had been ironed out, be presented in the form of an exhibition to residents.
Adding to this was Monica Albonico, architect and consultant at Albanico Sack Metacity (ASM) Architects and Urban Designers, who addressed the issues raised on the precinct plan, which included questions around parking, the traffic plans along the avenue and issues of public transport.
ASM has been commissioned by the agency to assist in producing the precinct plan and is currently conducting a physical analysis in order to unpack a high street narrative.
“A test day was recently hosted to address these issues and see how best to improve upon the traffic plan and create a pedestrian-friendly environment,” Albonico explained.
Click here to read more on the Grant Avenue Precinct Plan
“Issues of parking were also addressed and it was discovered that not much parking was available, so there are plans to double the capacity and base.”
Other issues addressed included public transport, non-motorised transport and the issue of car guards and homeless people on the avenue, with Albanico stressing the fact that the latter would not be solved by the plan, but needed involvement from various stakeholders.
The plan will run from Henrietta Road in the north, Fanny Avenue to the west, Lucy Lane/Paterson Park to the east and Arthur Road to the south, including the Grant Avenue extension to Osborn Road. The presentation meeting took place on 8 May at the old boxing gym, located at 59 Grant Avenue.
