The first phase of the prime new multi-billion Rand Castle Gate mixed-use precinct development in Pretoria, Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre, is set to open on 26 November 2020.
Castle Gate is being co-developed by Atterbury Property Fund (APF) and The Carl Erasmus Trust. APF is co-owned by leading property developer and investor Atterbury, its management and founders as well as Talis Investment Partners. Founded in Pretoria, Atterbury has established a track record of property development and investment excellence in South Africa and overseas, over 26 years.
Construction of the signature 23,000sqm convenience centre began in 2019, after three years of meticulous planning and approvals to develop the last portion of the original Waterkloof farm in Pretoria. However, work was shut down on the site for three months because of the lockdown. Despite this delay and the immense construction challenges that followed in terms of materials manufacturing and supply, among other things, Atterbury was able to accelerate the project so it could open in time for the festive season.
Raoul de Villiers, Atterbury Development Manager, says, “The development of Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre has included so many highlights, but what stood out most, especially over the past six months, is the can-do attitude of everyone working on the project. Everybody rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, working long hours, going above and beyond, giving of their very best. The sheer determination to create a beautiful place for the community that we can all be proud of helped to drive the project forward at full steam. This amazing spirit transformed underused farmland into the heart of a neighbourhood in less than a year. We believe Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre will be an asset for the community in this area of Pretoria and beyond. We are honoured to be associated with it.”
Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre is designed with a rustic, industrial farmhouse feeling, inspired by openness, ease and simplicity. Much effort has gone into creating a beautiful piazza and outdoor green spaces. It has forest-like features that celebrate natural elements, with a fountain, art installations and a bespoke children’s play area, all surrounded by vibrant restaurants. Architecturally, de Villiers describes it as honest, elegant and welcoming.
“Understated yet impressive, the design strikes the perfect lifestyle note for guests. Airy, fresh, with an abundance of outdoor space, we have strived to create a place that sets new benchmarks in amalgamating convenience and lifestyle.”
The centre is eco-friendly and has a solar farm with the capacity to generate around 1 MW of power. It also has access to three water sources with integrated rainwater harvesting and borehole water with on-site filtration and treatment, as well as municipal water supply.
The centre offers the ultimate convenience in the east of Pretoria with effortless accessibility. Castle Gate is adjacent to the N1 highway and easily accessible from Solomon Mahlangu Drive, which has been widened as part of the development and features a new intersection and traffic signals. A new bridge has been constructed over the N1 highway as part of the project, with a convenient link road. The major road infrastructure upgrades associated with the development are already proving to be life-changing for commuters in an area that was known for its rush-hour congestion.
“Castle Gate’s location and accessibility mean it has a wide catchment area. We believe it will change many people’s daily patterns and make their lives better by making it easier to fulfil many different needs in one enjoyable shopping environment where people want to meet and spend time,” notes de Villiers. “Castle Gate will cater to the full spectrum of needs of its neighbourhood and surrounds.”
Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre will include the latest store concepts for Woolworths, Checkers, Dis-Chem and Builders Warehouse. It will serve up more than a dozen restaurants, cafes and fast food options including Fireroom, Cairo Kitchen, Rocomamas, Doppio Zero, Spur, Ocean Basket, Nando’s, Kauai, KFC, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Burger King and two delis at Seemann’s and Castle Gate Deli.
It also has a strong health and beauty category, which includes Wellness Warehouse, Sorbet, Spec Savers, Gary Rom Hairdressing and Gary Rom Man, and the medical consulting rooms of Intercare.
Other stores include PNA, Crazy Store, Pick n Pay Clothing, Tasko Sweets and Animal Affair. It will also provide the convenience of ATMs from Nedbank and FNB, as well as the services of Levingers Dry Clean and Shoe Clinic. Goodies and gadgets will be available from Eden Tech and the latest cellular deals and devices from MTN, while All Fix is available for cell phone repairs.
This remarkable centre is the first building block in a vibrant mixed-use precinct that will create meaningful value and massive positive impacts. On completion, this unique and sizeable infill development is expected to represent a total investment of R6bn and 20,000 permanent jobs will have been created as a result of its development. A large-scale modern, multifaceted development, Castle Gate will ultimately also comprise 100,000sqm of office space, 40,000sqm of specialist medical facilities, and a hotel as well as 1,100 residential units. The precinct will also include eight hectares of protected green areas with walking and running trails.
Castle Gate’s development will be rolled out in response to market demand. “With its many advantages, including its excellent location in a key growth node and being a City of Tshwane strategic project, Castle Gate is in prime position to attract good demand,” says de Villiers.
Castle Gate will be a prominent location for businesses, especially corporate head offices. It features excellent access from the N1 and the R21 highway, and is a quick 25-minute drive from OR Tambo International Airport. Castle Gate is well served by public transport. It is only 10 minutes from the Pretoria Gautrain Station and 15 minutes from the Pretoria CBD.
