Mixed use precincts such as Melrose Arch to become prevalent in S.A

Since the multi-use precinct of Melrose Arch began construction over a decade ago in 2007, it has paved the way for the development of many similar precincts.

One example of Melrose Arch’s massive influence is the new development of Harbour Arch. Harbour Arch is a R10bn project that began construction in Cape Town’s CBD in 2017. Fin24 reported that “Amdec Group intends replicating its successful Melrose Arch recipe” and that “Harbour Arch’s lofty ‘Central Park’ will be the street equivalent of Johannesburg’s Melrose Arch”. Harbour Arch is expected to take anywhere between eight and ten years to complete, and will be a modernised version of Melrose Arch with various international influences.

Melrose Arch has been a trailblazer in terms of sustainability, with one of its office blocks being the very first buildings in South Africa to receive 4 Green Stars. This accolade got the ball rolling for Johannesburg’s ‘green revolution’, with suburbs such as Sandton being internationally recognised for their reduced carbon footprint. Melrose Arch is also one of the few places where charging stations for electric cars have been erected. 

It appears that South Africa will welcome many more of these multi-functional spaces in the future. There are numerous reasons for the success of these precincts, some of which include:

Safety and Security

Safety plays an important role in the popularity of mixed-use precincts. To take Melrose Arch as an example, the safety within the complex is cutting edge. The entire precinct is enclosed with guardhouses and booms at each entrance and over 90 Diamond Force security guards roam the grounds. The use of CCTV cameras ward off potential threats. The comings and goings of guests and visitors are also closely monitored.

Many Amenities

Office space in Melrose Arch is highly sought-after because of the many amenities at hand. In vast contrast to the conventional office block, office workers have dozens of lunch-break and after-work dining options within walking distance from their place of work. The many retail outlets available add unrivalled convenience and having Medi-care and dentists within the complex gives residents and workers peace of mind.

Interdependency 

Melrose Arch has been labelled as South Africa’s only ‘smart city’. The precinct has its own fibre optic network as well as an on-site power back-up. This allows the entire precinct of Melrose Arch to function completely off the grid. The trend is expected to grow in office blocks and precincts in a South Africa where load shedding and power outages are still a common reality throughout all suburbs in the country.

Aesthetic Value

The younger generations, which are now entering the workforce, put massive value on aesthetic appeal. They appreciate being surrounded by well-kept streets, pretty window displays and modern, Instagram-worthy office spaces. Melrose Arch exudes aesthetic appeal without being too opulent and the general atmosphere of the precinct has been a major key to its achievements.

The success of Melrose Arch has inspired many more mixed-use precincts around South Africa, with numerous business parks adding amenities and facilities within their walls to follow the trend, keep their office workers happy and create convenient safe communities.

With Melrose Arch paving the way for many other multi-use precincts, it has risen in both esteem and demand, making the office spaces at Melrose Arch some of the best in the country. OfficePlace, commercial property specialists, currently have over 30 exciting commercial property opportunities in the Melrose Arch Precinct. If you are interested in these exciting opportunities, contact an OfficePlace property broker today.