GREENREEF is extremely accessible on the existing R21 and will be at the heart of the intersection of the future PWV13 and PWV14 highways. The area is in the manufacturing and development heartland of Ekurhuleni, just South of the N12 between Germiston and Boksburg.
The main commuter railway between the East Rand and Johannesburg, splits the site. It is close to the City Deep inland rail and 5 Km from O R Tambo International Airport.
The N17 and the N12 freeways are key urban structuring elements in the East Rand and the Living Africa sites are located in-between them. Historically the mining land and railway line has acted as a barrier for direct north-south linkages between these two freeways, thereby obstructing easy access and limiting the consolidation of the development corridor that is formed by these highways and railway line.
The only major north-south link, in this area, is the R21 / Rondebult Road, which traverses the eastern boundary of Greenreef and is not adequate to overcome the structural inadequacies of the area. Additional north-south linkages should be encouraged to unlock the economic potential of this eastern corridor and stitch this fragmented part of the city together. The development potential of the PWV 13, 15, K127 and K92 would greatly improve the linkages sought.
Strategic, Class 1 road proposals that traverse the sites of study are the PWV 14 (E-W route) and PWV 13 (N-S route). The PWV 14 is crucial to making a direct link from the M2 freeway in Johannesburg CBD to ORTIA. The PWV 13/15 is a north-south route that follows north from the Vaal Dam and passes through the Tambo Springs Next Generation Inland Port toward the ORTIA and merges with the R21 corridor.
GREENREEF is located within 5km of the airport and will add to the city’s structuring. In terms of the Aeroptropolis vision GREENREEF is noted as a, “tri-cities region”, where manufacturing and high tech industry is favoured. Retail, logistics, tourism and professional services are also encouraged.
In this 21st Century, Airports have become primary anchors of urban economic growth. Major Corporations are moving closer to Gateway Airports, which are shaping the winners and losers in the 21st century globalisation process as they attract large concentrations of business previously confined to central city downtowns.
GREENREEF is located at the nexus of Gauteng’s major rail, road and air links.
This unique connectivity has resulted in GREENREEF being designed as a regional junction for all modes of Transit Orientated and Motorised Orientated Development – including rail, BRT, busses, vehicles, taxis, bicycles and pedestrian friendly options.
METRORAIL’s major Boksburg – Germiston – Park Station line divides the site, meaning that GREENREEF is perfectly placed to capitalise on the imminent conversion to railway transit, which will coincide with South Africa’s massive overhaul of the METRORAIL lines, stations and rolling stock – one of the largest rail upgrades in the world. A modern station with significant park-and-ride facilities for vehicles along with Bus and Taxi zones.
The PW13 highway will be routed through GREENREEF and will actually intersect with the proposed PW14 highway on the site.
GREENREEF is extremely accessible via the R21 and Pretoria Road and is bordered by the historic Main Reef Road on the North and the historic Commissioner Road on the South.
