Barlow Park is set to become Sandton’s brand-new residential neighbourhood, providing much-sought-after affordable, top-quality housing right on the doorstep of South Africa’s commercial capital, Sandton Central.
Bulk earthworks for the first phase of the R3 billion project commenced in June 2022 and will transform this landmark site from the corporate park that previously housed Barloworld Limited’s Corporate office, Logistics and Equipment head offices into a vibrant modern residential-anchored mixed-use neighbourhood.
Property investor and developer Atterbury, which is leading the development in conjunction with Barloworld, was awarded the development in 2017 based on its vision for a mixed-use precinct on the site. Originally envisioned as an office-focused project due to start in April 2020, the Covid-19 lockdown fortuitously paused its development. The pandemic highlighted and accelerated structural changes in the way we live and work. By introducing Divercity as co-developer, and due to their success with the recently launched Jewel City precinct, Atterbury and Divercity have now re-shaped the development into a top-notch residential-anchored modern multiuse neighbourhood.
Barlow Park will offer an excellent Sandton address at affordable prices and with all the amenity and safety of ultra-modern living in a desirable location with some of the best views of Sandton Central and the beautiful Innesfree valley.
“After broad and deep consideration of the property market, it became clear to us that an affordable, secure residential lifestyle development is the best use for this land. We could not be more pleased with the new plans for this property. As a unique site in an excellent location, Barlow Park will be transformed into a multifaceted neighbourhood of matchless quality, designed for the ultimate in convenient, enjoyable and affordable living in Sandton’s very latest world-class development,” says Derrick Pautz, Atterbury Head of Developments - Gauteng.
Situated at a key connection point between Sandton and Alexandra, the Barlow Park development is ideally positioned to provide a positive impact on its immediate community. It will create local economic and job opportunities during construction and for years to come after its completion while meeting some of the significant need for quality, connected residential accommodation in the area.
For Barloworld, the investment and partnership in Barlow Park aligns closely to the commitment by the company to drive growth and unlock value in all its assets. “This development reflects our ethos of delivering value over the long term and drive growth and progress in society. We are building on our rich company history and want to leave a legacy of growth and opportunities in the communities where we operate as well as for future generations. We are also conscious of what an investment and project of this scale can contribute to South Africa’s path to economic recovery. Even though Covid-19 left no one untouched we are excited about the prospect of this development’s potential of setting the tone for growth and opportunity in our new normal,” says Dominic Sewela, Group Chief Executive Officer of Barloworld Limited.
Through its association with Divercity Urban Property Fund, Atterbury became aware of the constant demand for quality affordable housing in prime locations in Johannesburg that are well connected to amenities, which inspired its new vision for Barlow Park. With this in mind, Atterbury introduced Divercity as a partner in the Barlow Park development. Divercity specializes in residential-focused mixed-use developments and will play a crucial role as joint development managers with Atterbury.
“Barlow Park is a breakthrough in the housing landscape in South Africa. This will be the first truly affordable rental precinct in such a premium node and will offer unmatched value for residential tenants. Through a combination of affordable pricing, exceptional location and diverse amenities we will set a new benchmark for the industry. We are extremely proud to bring this to the market,” says Jonathan Reader, Chief Investment Officer at Divercity.
Two of South Africa’s most respected names in commercial property development, Moolman Group and Twin City Development, are also co-investing in the development.
The new Barlow Park development will include 4,100 affordable residential units in 11 apartment blocks, which will be served by free-for-resident amenities such as a recreation centre, clubhouse, pool, business centre, coffee shop, gym and sports facilities. All this will be set within an urban forest among lush green landscaping and manicured gardens. Several of Barlow Park’s new buildings have been designed around the trees growing on the site. All indigenous trees in the precinct will be preserved during the construction process.
Barlow Park’s public space will include 5,500sqm of retail in a vibrant open-air street-level neighbourhood convenience centre anchored by Checkers and Clicks and featuring a generous mix of eateries, fast foods, banking, and more. Located at the high-profile traffic-signalled corner of Katherine Street, it is also ideal for commuters to access. The development plan allows for a primary school, high school and pre-school, a medical centre, as well as shared office space with a Curro DigiEd high school secured in the first phase opening.
Starting to the west end of the site, at its superbly accessible main entrance from Katherine Street, the first phase of the development will include the convenience retail, the high school, and the 750 residential units that make up the first two apartment blocks. Barlow Park will be developed out towards the east of the precinct, with the second phase of 860 units in the next two residential blocks planned to commence a year later. The roll-out of the Barlow Park development will respond to demand, with the entire project expected to take six to eight years to develop.
Atterbury, with its commercial property asset management expertise, and Divercity, with its rental housing asset management skill, will perform the asset management functions for the completed development.
“Atterbury and Divercity are extremely proud to have assembled a development designed for the new way of living, one that creates a legacy project for Barloworld and has enabled us to attract a consortium of co-investors superbly matched to deliver the large-scale redevelopment of this corporate park,” reports Pautz.
Barlow Park is situated at 180 Katherine Street in the financial capital of Sandton. The property enjoys a prime position flanked by the M1 highway and the major Katherine Street thoroughfare. It has excellent access and superb visibility on both major arterials and is less than two kilometres from both the Grayston Avenue and Marlboro Drive offramps from the M1.
