Free parking for Sandton Library please

Sandton residents have voiced their anger over the fact that the Sandton Library doesn’t offer free parking to its patrons.

Megan Sean who frequently makes use of the library believes patrons of the library should be accommodated for. “I have looked up the laws behind standards and norms for public libraries in South Africa and although it doesn’t say anything about free public parking I still think that it is something that is necessary,” said Sean.

“I feel that Sandton City should accommodate those using the library by offering free parking. Sandton City could provide a machine that stamps your parking ticket before you leave. I do not think it is fair for people that use the library to have to pay for parking, especially at Sandton City rates. The ones who will be affected the most are students who often times will spend an entire day at the library,” Sean concluded.

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Fanis Sardianos, executive manager for client business operations at the Johannesburg Property Company explained that the city council considered the optimal use of the municipal buildings and the land surrounding the Sandton Library in 2007 and resolved that this land was alienated and developed.

“This decision was based on the increasing development of the Sandton CBD and the need to optimise public transport orientated development, particularly in light of the fact that the site is located at the Sandton Gautrain station and on the planned bus rapid transit route on Rivonia Road,” said Sardianos.

Sardianos explained that the decision ensured the preservation of existing and the development of new community facilities at this key location. The library building will be retained as it is in the new development plan and a new art gallery and public square will be created. The development also includes holding facilities for metered taxis.

“While new parking garages are being created in the development [as in the entire Sandton CBD], the focus of the development will be on public transport and non-motorised transport. In this regard, the provision of free parking in a node with the intensity of the Sandton CBD is generally not viable… the City is rather attempting to encourage the use of public and non-motorised transport in the node. This is in keeping with the CBDs of successful transport-orientated cities around the world.” Sardianos said.

Do you think parking should be free for people visiting the Sandton Library and why? Let us know by posting on our Facebook page or tweeting to us at @Sandton_News