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for business The Neighbourhood Square, a new retail centre designed by Boogertman + Partners within a broader residential development in Linksfield, Johannesburg, creates a fresh, open and accessible community hub. Phot og r aphy: Tris tan McL are n
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he Neighbourhood Square is a villagestyle retail centre at the heart of The Neighbourhood, a broader residential development on a portion of the old Huddle Park Golf Course in Linksfield, Johannesburg, which came about when the City of Johannesburg made a portion of it available for development. The Neighbourhood is made up of the Neighbourhood Estate, the first phase of which is nearing completion, and the Neighbourhood Residence, a future development planned for Club Street. The residential estate flanks the existing fairway and has fantastic views to the northwest. The Neighbourhood Square is positioned to maximise exposure onto the busy
Club Street and the nearby intersection with Linksfield Drive. It was envisioned as a community gathering point and a vibrant neighbourhood resource that would also serve as a point where residents living in the development could easily connect with those from the surrounding suburbs. Because of the site’s previous incarnation as a fairway on a golf course, it features a good number of well-established trees. Boogertman + Partners perceived them as a key design driver and an important part of the character and natural heritage of the site. They identified suitable trees to preserve from the outset of the design process. Continued next page//
26 Leading Architecture + Design DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022
