Re-Imagined Ferndale on Republic marries nostalgia and a breath of fresh air

Ferndale on Republic, previously known as the Brightwater Commons and the Randburg Waterfront before that, was initially created as a city waterfront development – a romantic notion in Johannesburg in the 1980s. The waterfront element was removed when it underwent a renovation and became the Brightwater Commons, which introduced landscaping and parks to the development, as well as a flea market.

The Moolman Group has been instrumental in developing the new scheme, starting with the refurbishment of the existing cinemas into Kagiso Media’s new Urban Brew Studios. This project then served as a catalyst for the upgrading of the existing buildings as well as the addition of a new 27 000 m 2 shopping mall. MDS Architecture was approached by the Moolman Group and asked to invigorate the development and rebrand it as Ferndale on Republic. The new additions increase the total GLA to about 42 000 m 2 .

We wanted to retain some of the nostalgia of a waterfront, as well as the greenery and landscaping. For this reason, greenery was used as a design ethos.

Sean Pearce, a partner at MDS Architecture, says that while some parts of the existing building will be retained, others will be demolished to allow for more efficient parking and to link it with the new enclosed mall. Landscaping will be a key design principle to soften the design and help integrate the old with the new.

Randburg is experiencing rapid development. Ferndale on Republic has good access from both

Republic Road and Hans Strydom, with a quieter entrance via Cross Street into the neighbouring Ferndale. “We are trying to create a convenient, neighbourhood shopping centre providing a safe, family destination with feature lighting and pedestrian walkways, with creepers and living green walls. The large parking lot will be broken up by red brick paving and landscaped vertical screens, serving as a strong axial link,” he says. Pedestrians have much greater prominence and further design measures are being taken to soften the area.

Large trees from the existing Brightwater Commons will be relocated to the main entrances to create strong focal points and connect to the past development.

The development will feature ‘green lungs’ around the perimeter where people can relax and enjoy a safe shopping environment.

The interior will also include a lot of greenery to soften the spaces. Lighting and signage, floor tiling and paving will all contribute to a completely different experience.