Old East Precinct to revitalize Hazelwood urban village

Atterbury creates new community-friendly surban precinct

HAZELWOOD, PRETORIA In a pleasing development for the Hazelwood neighbourhood, Atterbury has announced plans to create a new surban village precinct in the suburb.

Old East Precinct is contained within the suburban zone including The Club and The Village. During a tenant briefing session in early December 2018, Atterbury CEO Louis van der Watt unveiled Atterbury’s vision for Old East Precinct.

Defined in modern urban development parlance as a “surban” development, Old East Precinct can be described as “a suburban area that has the feel of urban; it is a blend of the best of urban and suburban life”. The trend towards surban areas allows communities to live in city areas that has a suburban village feel. As is the case with Old East Precinct, these zones typically feature social venues such as restaurants, bars and entertainment. (Source: 2018 Real Estate Trends to Watch: “Surban” — That Sweet Spot Between City and Suburb, by Len Elder, December 2017.)

Old East Precinct is the first South African surban development.

The plan for Old East Precinct includes the improvement and enhancement of the infrastructure and character of the popular The Village casual restaurant and shopping hub. The Club retail hub, Die Klubhuis office building, The Club Surgical Centre, Advocate Chambers and The Village are all included in Old East Precinct. The precinct will be established in a defined area between Hazelwood and Dely Roads. (See map above or click here.)

Over time Atterbury plans to add a pedestrian walkway belt connecting The Club and The Village. This paved pedestrian zone will allow people to casually walk around Old East Precinct.

“Utilising our suburban areas as spaces in which communities can comfortably and securely enjoy their living environments creates a sense of community and belonging and thus adds significant value to a quality lifestyle, as well as to all properties in the area,” Van der Watt explains.

Working together with the current owner of The Village, Peter Michaletos, Atterbury has committed significant investment for the improvement, correct zoning and lawful trading enhancement of this trendy area. “We are establishing around 170 parking bays at The Village and are creating properly organised loading zones and refuse management areas. In addition, we are actively supporting all our tenants to benefit from the new possibilities offered by Old East Precinct.”

Asked about the preceding friction between Atterbury and The Village, Van der Watt explains the two parties have committed to work together. “The previous animosity is behind us,” he says. “Our decision to work together is beneficial to the community at large, the tenants as well as to the owners. This positive approach has resulted in Old East Precinct receiving the enthusiastic support of the residents of Hazelwood, with whom we have consulted widely over the last two months. In addition, the City Council of Tshwane supports our initiative and we are working together with them to ensure compliance of all regulations. Applicable zoning will be secured.

“Already in progress is the proper and lawful zoning of The Village. We are also making sure that all structures fully comply with building regulations and bylaws.”

Zandri Wells, Atterbury’s asset manager responsible for Old East Precinct has good news for the many fans of The Village. “The unique ambience and character of The Village will stay intact. In fact, we are positive that the creation of Old East Precinct will further enhance the already well-established trendy and relaxed atmosphere there. By adding the pedestrian walkway and other improvements to link The Club and The Village, Old East Precinct promises to become one of the most attractive urban villages in Pretoria and elsewhere.”

Many attractions are planned to promote footfall growth for tenants in the area and to provide the community with plenty of things to do. Apart from infrastructural and legal compliance improvements, Old East Precinct will host regular monthly urban village markets, urban art will be promoted and patrons will be kept safe and secure in the area. Restauranteurs and other traders will know they will be able to build their businesses for the long term, without the threat of regulatory non-compliance forcing them out of their premises.

“Atterbury will manage Old East Precinct professionally as landlords who understand our responsibility to the city and our tenants. We are fully committed to Hazelwood and have already invested significantly in the area to enhance the quality of living and standard of trading,” says Van der Watt. “Old East Precinct is the culmination of many years of development for the benefit of the community and the businesses of Hazelwood.”

Old East Precinct will be developed in stages over the next 18 months. Atterbury takes over full management control of The Village from January 2019.