N4 Gateway’s restored wetland bodes well for the environment and enhances the park-like surrounds.
N4 Gateway, a R350 million light industrial park, planned for a tract of prime land along the N4 highway, will also bring with it regeneration for a neglected wetland situated on the property’s eastern border. This green-lung will feature new indigenous plants and trees; serving to attract bird and animal life.
“Initial assessments indicated that the property, which was previously zoned for agricultural use, had a wetland, and it was on this basis that a specialist wetland consultant conducted a study and demarcated the wetland area,” says Theuns Botha, spokesperson for Uniqon, developers tasked with building N4 Gateway.
The wetland was found to be in a severe state of degradation, with man-made channelling having left it drained and encroached with invaders and pioneer grasses. But, specialists maintained that the wetland still had an important function, in that it can alleviate flooding, improve water retention in the landscape and habitat support.
On this basis, a rehabilitation plan was formulated. In addition to proper storm water management, plans include the establishment of wide streams, flanked by indigenous grasses. Also planned is the re-seeding of indigenous plant species, landscaping with indigenous trees, removal of alien vegetation and the creation of wet detention ponds. These measures aim to help restore the wetland’s function and flora diversity.
“The open grassed swale and vegetated detention ponds will create a suitable habitat for species like the bullfrog to feed and breed, as well as to provide a safe passage way to adjacent sites without having to cross any roads,” adds Botha.
Botha maintains that with environmental concerns catered for, construction work on the land – which already has fully installed services, tarred roads and street lights – has commenced.
N4 Gateway offers optimal location and cutting-edge security, with the 46ha site comprising 124 stands ranging from 1,493sqm to 10,563sqm, with easy access to the N1, N4, Hans Strijdom Drive and Bronkhorstspruit Road.
The superb location of makes it an ideal location for logistics operations that service the Pretoria, Mpumalanga and Limpopo areas. The area has proved popular for development in recent years, and in line with this, it has become necessary to upgrade some of the roads around the Hans Strijdom and N4 intersections. Botha says, “Once built, N4 Gateway will become a part of the solution.” Plans include new traffic lights along Hans Strijdom drive, with exclusive turning lanes on all the approaches and additionally slip lanes where required.
Botha is upbeat about prospects for the new development, and a number of sites have already been sold. “This prime site provides a good opportunity for businesses which require a secure environment that’s affordable and close to major highways. N4 Gateway also offers an opportunity to build according to each company’s exact specifications.”
Another advantage for prospective buyers is the City of Tshwane’s commitment to take responsibility for all services, with the property owner’s association liable for management of the park. “This means that owners’ and tenants’ levies will not include the road or services infrastructure, making this more affordable. N4 Gateway also has a guaranteed supply of electricity,” says Botha.
Uniqon is a well-established property development company, with an excellent track record and a team of experienced and competent professionals in all fields.
For more information about N4 Gateway, visit www.uniqon.co.za or contact
Theuns Botha 082 560 7186.