There isn’t a major city in South Africa that isn’t undergoing massive development, and it seems every time I visit Jozi something new is springing up from the rubble.

Us mountain-staring beach bums have a fair share going on too – check the plans for a new city that will be built 25km outside Cape Town (at a cost of R140 billion) HERE.

Up in Pretoria their new precinct will cost ‘just’ R12 billion, and it’s been dubbed the Rainbow Junction.

Details below from BusinessTech:

The project was first announced in 2012 and forms part of priority “catalytic” developments taking place all over South Africa, in partnership with the SA government.

The total development area covers 140 hectares, and is positioned 6km north of the Pretoria CBD starting at the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountains.

The development of the project will be underpinned by 670,000 square metres of commercial development, as well as new 94,000 square metre mall for the region called Rainbow Mall [pictured above].

The commercial space of the Rainbow Junction project is more than double the size of Menlyn Maine, and almost three times the size of Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

Within the commercial use zones, 165,000 square metres will be for retail; 170,000 square metres for offices; 120,000 square metres for residential projects; 65,000 square metres for hotel and conferencing facilities; and the rest for general commercial use.

Within the commercial use zones, 165,000 square metres will be for retail; 170,000 square metres for offices; 120,000 square metres for residential projects; 65,000 square metres for hotel and conferencing facilities; and the rest for general commercial use.

The project will also have space for educational facilities and social and recreational activities.

Road planning around the mall started in 2015, while it is expected to open its doors in 2019. The entire Rainbow Junction project is estimated to take 10-15 years to complete.

To be fair I’m not all that familiar with Pretoria, but do they really need a massive mall constructed?

If Steve Hofmeyr sings at the opening we’re done with this city.

[source:businesstech]