Housing the people

The R8.6 billion Leeuwpoort Integrated Housing Development will provide the City of Ekurhuleni with a mixed-use development near social, economic and institutional opportunities.

The Leeuwpoort project forms part of the larger drive by government to implement mega

Leeuwpoort: helping build a smarter city

housing projects that address past spatial challenges and the need for affordable housing in Gauteng.

Developed for the City of Ekurhuleni, the project is funded by both the public and private sector, with funding raised through the Leeuwpoort Development (Pty) Ltd special-purpose vehicle, established by successful project bidders Urban Dynamics Gauteng Inc and Bigen Group.

Located within the Gauteng Eastern Development Corridor, Leeuwpoort was declared a flagship project for the City of Ekurhuleni and a megaproject by the Gauteng province.

Among others, the Leeuwpoort development is expected to create integrated and secure neighbourhoods, upgrade the urban environment, stimulate urban integration, generate downstream opportunities, and expand Ekurhuleni’s income base.

The project will deliver a spectrum of affordable housing opportunities, totalling more than 24 000 units, to satisfy housing demand in the City of Ekurhuleni. Beneficiary communities include Joe Slovo, Ulana, Hlahane, Driefontein, Crossroads, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Reiger Park, Cinderella Hostel, Central Hostel and Ramaphosa.

Development precincts

This Greenfields development is strategically located in Boksburg near the CBD and

transport nodes. It comprises the Northern Development Area, where two townships (Reiger Park Ext 19 and Parkdene Ext 7) will be established, as well the Southern Development Area.

Reiger Park Ext 19 West will comprise of fully subsidised houses and apartments. In the east, a secure mixed housing estate will be developed, including social housing, FLISP and bonded residential stands.

Parkdene Ext 7 North will include a commercial strip next to Rondebult Road and a high-density housing node. A transport hub is also proposed to serve the lowerincome community. Parkdene Ext 7 South will comprise a mix of high-density sectional title and rental housing, as well as bonded houses. Leeuwpoort Developments will also supply residential units and serviced stands to accredited housing institutions for social housing.

According to Charles Davis, project manager at Urban Dynamics, work is progressing well on the Northern Development Area. Construction on the civil works for both the Reiger Park and Parkdene extensions began in 2018 and construction of housing units is expected to get under way soon.

In the Southern Development Area, which represents extensions of Sunward Park, a larger-scale and equally prominent mixeduse node will be built along Rondebult Road and north of North Boundary Road for rental housing and business opportunities. Stands zoned for social housing will also be sold to accredited institutions. Leeuwpoort Developments is awaiting final approval of the southern townships before construction will commence.

Driving local investment

The City of Ekurhuleni is committed to a 10-Point Economic Plan to expand access to services to the most needy and poor, accelerate delivery and improve the quality of services it offers to address the needs of the poorest sections of the community. The Leeuwpoort project is pivotal to achieving these goals.

The project value chain focuses on enterprise development, which includes project elements beyond construction. Leeuwpoort Developments has structured the project to maximise the participation of unemployed residents in the project catchment area. The development is also aimed at subcontracts for small and medium local enterprises.

“The project will invest billions of rand into infrastructure, creating a positive local investment environment and attracting home buyers and commercial opportunities,” says Davis.