Gautrain a proven catalyst for growth
The Gautrain has been a success in providing safe, quick and convenient means of transport to and from the workplace.
According to the Gautrain website, since the opening of Park Station in Rosebank there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for the Gautrain and its bus services.
Since the announcement of the introduction of the Gautrain, much has been said by property market commentators, but what has the real impact of this modern transport network meant for the commercial property market in the vicinity of the stations?
Peter Collins, regional broker manager for JHI Properties in Gauteng said, “It has certainly been a catalyst for growth in demand for commercial property in the decentralised central business district’s of Sandton and Rosebank, both of which are experiencing rental growth in excess of 10 percent per annum.
“The award-winning 36 000 square metre Alexander Forbes Sandton head office, Webber Wentzel’s imminent move from Illovo Boulevard to Sandton central, Sasol’s new head office development by Alchemy Properties, and the recent news that Discovery Health will be taking up Growthpoint’s site opposite 1 Sandton Drive, is testimony to the economic benefit that such infrastructural development has brought to Sandton and South Africa.”
The economic impetus of the Gautrain development has led to new routes being proposed. The proposed network will include a link from the existing Gautrain Park Station to Westgate on the West Rand; a link from the existing Rhodesfield Station to Boksburg on the East Rand; a rapid rail link from Naledi in Soweto to Mamelodi – via either the proposed Gautrain Samrand Station or the existing Gautrain Midrand Station; and a link from the existing Gautrain Sandton Station to Randburg.
Collins said Sandton and Rosebank have appeal for multi-nationals seeking to establish a presence in Johannesburg as a springboard into Africa.
Details: info@jhi.co.za.
