Birnam Upgrade Under Way

Birnam has been undergoing a major revamp, with the recent development of a commercial centre on municipal land adjacent to Melrose Arch.

The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) announced that it had, together with black economic empowerment company KDM Development, launched Melrose Crossing – a privately-funded retail development providing a range of "convenience, business and fast food services".

The centre, on the corner of Cross Street and Corlett Drive, contributed to the upgrade of an area previously seen as an eyesore, according to the general manager of property development for JPC, Sthembiso Mntungwa. JPC manages the City's property porfolio.

The City had not been deriving any income from the 2 000m² site prior to the development, Mntungwa adds. It was previously used as a parking lot. "There were also a lot of vagrants on the site."

This has now turned around. Says Mntungwa: "We welcome projects such as Melrose Crossing, since not only does it put vacant municipal property to good use and provide the local community with an increased array of retail and convenience services, but the project also underlines JPC's support and commitment to BEE advancement."

According to KDM's managing director, Riaz Koor, the project was aimed at providing "a unique food-court concept in a built-up area".

Melrose Crossing borders the Melrose Arch precinct. "It is meant to compliment the existing Melrose Arch area, not compete with it," says Koor. It aims to provide quick-service dining and convenience shopping for those living or working in the area.

While Melrose Arch is distinguished for its selection of fine restaurants set around a quaint cobblestone square, Melrose Crossing is targeting a different market – the diner requiring a "quick dining experience", which nonetheless offers good food in a pleasant setting. The emphasis is not so much on fast food as fast service, says Koor.

The development took less than a year to complete. The 2 000m² area was a challenge for the developers. "It was a very difficult site to develop because of its fairly small size," Koor says.

The centre's current tenants include Mi Vami, Steers, Nando's, Al's Gourmet Chicken, Scooters Pizza and Dish of the Day. The food court is situated on the first floor and consists of a large open eating deck for year-round al-fresco dining.

Other stores are aimed at the convenience shopping market and include Video Spot, Jetline Print and Seat Motors.

Extensions are planned for the site as the developer has since bought an adjoining site. This is still in the planning phase, but will include the development of more retail and convenience store options, says Koor. - Emily van Rijswijck

Article courtesy of City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za).

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