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The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Groenkloof community revives opposition to mixed-use project near rugby grounds
Groenkloof residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed development on municipal land next to the historic Harlequins Rugby Club. The land, valued at R33-million, has become the centre of controversy following an announcement by the metro that it intends to lease it for a private mixed-use development. While no final decision has been made, the metro has begun a public participation process that could see the land put out on tender if the council gives the go-ahead. Community member and local representative Yvette Loots said the proposal feels like a revival of a plan introduced just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She said at the time, a private developer proposed a precinct similar to Loftus Park, with restaurants, office spaces, and medical suites. According to Loots, the Groenkloof community opposed the plan so firmly that the developer eventually withdrew. 'We thought it was over and done with, but now the city has come back with essentially the same idea. 'They're asking how we feel about it, but it feels like they're already laying the groundwork to put the land out to tender.' Loots explained that community objections go beyond sentiment. She said the neighbourhood is already under pressure from traffic congestion, infrastructure limitations, and increased usage of nearby facilities like Crawford College and Life Groenkloof Hospital. 'Totius Street is a narrow two-lane road with no shoulders, and the traffic on Saturdays from school sports and hospital activity is already a nightmare.' Loots said adding a three-storey hotel and entertainment space will break the system. According to Loots, the land could be better used for recreation and sports, particularly as there is a shortage of rugby fields in the area. 'Harlequins and Pretoria Rugby Club are both right here, and they're struggling with space. Right now, Boys High and Sutherland are renting Harlequins' fields because there just aren't enough rugby grounds in the area. 'The club wants to develop an additional field on the land, which makes far more sense than putting up another business complex.' Loots said the community came together earlier this year, including residents from both Groenkloof and the north side of Totius Street, to formally register their objections. She added that everyone agreed to object, but the metro doesn't seem to give much weight to group objections anymore. 'They prefer individual objections, so now everyone is submitting their concerns one by one.' Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba confirmed that no resolution has been passed by the council to lease the property. 'Council has only approved the initiation of a public participation process in terms of Regulation 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations.' He said the metro will compile a report incorporating public input to be submitted to the council for a final decision. Bokaba added that the development under consideration is a mixed-use project, which combines residential, commercial, institutional, and possibly light industrial elements. He noted that the property currently has split zoning for public open space, railway, and existing streets as defined in the 2024 Tshwane Land-Use Management Scheme. 'For development to proceed, appropriate land-use rights, township establishment, and subdivision would all be required following council approval.' Bokaba emphasised that the metro views the land as underutilised. 'The property in question is currently being used only in part by the rugby club. 'Revenue generation is essential for the metro to fulfil its service delivery mandate, and the group property department is mandated to support this objective.' When asked about the feedback received so far, Bokaba said public participation meetings were held onsite and online in June, with notices also published in local newspapers. The metro is now consolidating all submissions, which will be compiled into a report for the council. 'All objections submitted were acknowledged. Equal standing and equal weight are afforded to all objections, regardless of the source.' In response to claims that Harlequins Rugby Club had expressed interest in expanding onto the land, Bokaba said the metro had not been formally made aware of this. He added that the club had previously approached the metro with a request to commercialise a portion of the property it already leases. 'However, it withdrew when it became clear the club would have to relinquish its rights and the developer would have to lease directly from the municipality.' Bokaba said on the issue of traffic and infrastructure, all lease proposals are referred to the relevant internal stakeholders, including the Roads and Transport Department. 'No objections were raised at that stage. However, the metro's group property department has recorded community concerns and will reengage with its roads and transport department for detailed input.' He said the metro may recommend upgrades to infrastructure, depending on the feedback from relevant departments. Bokaba added that the cost of any required infrastructure upgrades would be accepted by the potential lessee, with implementation monitored and approved by the metro. He also clarified that the current process does not involve the sale of the land. 'It is a lease proposal. Based on public input, the metro may recommend that any approved development must include recreational components.' He said the metro remains open to leasing land to community or sports organisations, but is limited by two laws that limit the maximum lease for sports clubs to nine years and 11 months. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. 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Eyewitness News
01-08-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
‘Apartheid inheritance' COJ moves to renegotiate R2 annual rent with prestigious Killarney Country Club
Since 1970, the prestigious Killarney Country Club (KCC) has been paying R2 a year in rent to the City of Johannesburg. The Johannesburg council has kicked off a process that will see it re-negotiate terms between it and the club or sell the land it built on altogether. Despite the low rent, the club said it has provided value for money to the city and the deal has been 'mutually beneficial' for both entities. Located in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, the KCC is built on 111,6 hectares of land owned by the city. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, squash and tennis courts, bowling greens and a restaurant. History of Killarney Country Club The KCC was established in 1903 as the Transvaal Automobile Club. In 1929, it transitioned to a golf club with the introduction of a golf course. In 1970, the City of Council of Johannesburg (as it was formally known at the time) expropriated the land the course was on to build the M1 Highway. 'It was agreed that KCC would relocate to five nearby erven which the COJ purchased,' one court document reads. The club moved to Houghton, near the Highway where it would enter into a long-term lease with the city at R2 per annum in rental premiums. The initial 50-year lease was due to expire on the 31st of July 2020 however in 1992, it was extended to 2040 (this is currently subject to a court challenge), at the same rental rate of R2 per annum. In 2005, the name was officially changed to the Killarney Country Club. Joburg council KCC motion On Thursday, a motion was tabled before the Johannesburg council which seeks to open a public participation process on the future of the club. 'The said property (KCC) is a non-core capital asset, and it is therefore recommended that it be sold or leased on a long-term basis,' the motion reads. According to the document, the city estimates the property value to exceed R50-million meaning a public participation process must be conducted before any decision is made on it, in line with Section 34 and 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations. It said the market value of the KCC will be determined by an independent valuator. Following the public participation process, the CEO of the Joburg Property Company (a municipal-owned entity which manages all the city's properties) will submit a report to council within 60 days. 'Advising whether the capital asset is needed to provide a minimum level of basic municipal services, as well as the fair market value of the asset,' council documents read. The CEO's report must also consider the economic and community value that will be received if the KCC is sold. 'Apartheid inheritance' Johannesburg Councillors chip in Then document presented to council on Thursday says in August 2011, the city of Johannesburg resolved to lease the property at R1000 a month for a period of about 10 years, with an 8% increase a year ( Note: The KCC told EWN it knows nothing about this and still pays a rental of R2 a year ). Nomoya Mnisi, MMC for Economic Development and ANC councillor, said the city will be guided by the outcomes from the public participation process on decide whether the land KCC is built on will be sold or the lease will be continued. 'There is a lease currently running in that property, it is ending in 2040 however it should be noted the lease is not market related. It means whatever amount the tenants (KCC) are paying there is not in accordance with the market value,' she said. Mnisi said the rental terms between the city and KCC are an 'inheritance of apartheid.' Matthew Cook from the Good Party was also in support of the public participation process. 'You cant even find a backroom in Soweto or Orange Farm for R2000 per month, how is the city currently leasing a 111-hectares of prime land, well located for under R2000 per year,' he said. Cook went further saying the land, where the country club currently resides, must be utilised for public use like low-cost housing, mixed use zones and sports centres. 'Things like that where the public in those communities can really benefit from it rather than the elite few who are able to play golf,' he said. 'I don't think there is a shortage of golf clubs in Johannesburg, Parkview (golf club) is just up the road (from KCC) and that one is not up for negotiation at the moment so within a five-minute drive you have got another golf course, there is plenty of space for golfers to go to.' The Democratic Alliance voted against the motion. As its councillor, Alex Christians rose up to speak, there was heckles of 'apartheid beneficiary' from some other councillors in the chamber. 'It is vague and does not provide sufficient information for us to make an informed decision,' said Christians. 'We are not against public participation but the process they want to follow in terms of how the public will then respond to what is in the details of that report. Also to note that 2011 was not during apartheid.' The motion was adopted by a majority of councillors. Killarney Country Club responds 'I think at face value if you see a club paying R2, you'll be like 'oh that's ridiculous how can that be' but ultimately the history of it (the land) was sold and leased back for the benefit of the city and its residents on a nominal basis because fulfilled the managing function which the city clearly can't fulfil themselves,' said Darryn Faulds, President of the KCC. Referring to that 1970 deal, Faulds said there was an agreement the land would be leased back to the country club and it would have to manage and maintain it at its own risk. He also denied accusations that KCC is an 'exclusive' club, saying all its facilities are open public. Like all country clubs, Faulds said the KCC offers a membership and services which they generate revenue from. However, he said the R2 annual rent has not spared it from financial difficulties facing most sports clubs across the country, with the club last recording a profit about 15-years ago. He said the land is difficult and expensive to maintain with most of the revenue being going back to covering overhead costs. 'It's a very, very tough place just to break-even nevermind make a little bit more,' he said. Faulds said the club has done a good job in maintaining the land, especially considering a large portion of it is a biodiverse wetland. '90% of that area in undevelopmental (sic) because it's just effectively a wetland that floods where you cannot have residential properties,' he said. Faulds said if the land were to be sold, the next best use of it would be a park which the city would have to maintain at its own cost and resources. 'We have all seen unfortunately how the parks get managed in the city,' he said. 'Any development on that property (KCC), upgrades or improvements or otherwise is for the benefit of the city because ultimately it's their asset that is going to have a value or not.' Faulds also argued the country club has indirectly contributed to the investments in Houghton and its surrounding areas. 'It's not overgrown there isn't a mass vagrants or mass camps on there or anything that we see with other areas where maintenance isn't upkept so there is a lot of commercial buildings and new residential buildings being built,' he said. In addition, the KCC also runs advertising boards on the land, the proceeds of which go to the Joburg Property Company (JPC). With council passing the motion for a public consultation, Faulds said he is hoping those that will participate have the entire picture and context of the KCC. He said the KCC is keeping an open mind throughout this process and has re-affirmed its long-standing position to renegotiate terms that will be suitable for both the club and the city. 'We happy to do another lease basis on terms that are more favourable to you (JPC) commercially and this could be a higher rental per-month,' he said. 'We could also work with the advertising companies to commission more sites and run that process for the JPC, giving them the profits of that.'
IOL News
31-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
City of Johannesburg to sell or lease Pirates Sports Club and Killarney Country Club
The City of Johannesburg plans to sell or lease the Pirates Sports Club in Greenside and the Killarney Country Club. Image: Unsplash The City of Johannesburg is moving ahead with the sale or long-term leasing of Pirates Sports Club in Greenside and the Killarney Country Club. According to the municipality, the Killarney Country Club's value also exceeds R10 million, and an updated valuation will be conducted before the property's use and leasing. The proposed sale will be done in compliance with the provisions of the City of Joburg's supply chain management policy for land as approved by council in June 2009. The city is embarking on the process since the fair market value of Erf 1319 (proposed subdivision into portion 1 & Re of Erf 1319), Erf 1330, Erf 1318 (Proposed Subdivision into portion 1 & 2 of Erf 1318) Greenside Township, and the remainder of Erf 2184 Parkhurst Township, exceeds R10m. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "The accounting officer for the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is authorised to conduct a public participation process in respect of the proposed sale, as envisaged in terms of Section 19 of the Supply Chain Management Policy for Land and Sections 34 and 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations," the municipality is proposing. The Killarney Country Club's value also exceeds R10m, and the updated valuation will be done before the use and leasing of the property. The city has indicated that after public participation has been concluded, all affected stakeholders are notified and updated in writing. It also intends to get comments from other departments, municipal entities, or ward councillors, where applicable, and if there are no objections to the intended lease and the properties are not needed for the provision of basic municipal services, a lease agreement may be entered into. A notarial deed of lease was entered into between the City Council of Johannesburg and a Pirates Sports Club for 25 years commencing in October 1953 and terminated in September 1973, and then an addendum to the lease was drafted, which extended the lease period for a further 15 years with effect from July 1990. The lease period was extended to June 2005, and the sports club requested a lease renewal for 20 years in lieu of their right to be compensated for the structural cost improvements, based on the amount to be determined by the valuer. The city concluded a lease agreement with the Pirates Club in 2014 for 20 years, and the said lease is valid until 2034. "It is important to note that the subject property is a sports facility intended for community use. It is centrally located in the Johannesburg region, the sports facility is accessible to a broad range of communities and population groups nearby," the city noted. The club also services other suburbs such as Parkhurst, Parkview, Emmarentia, Northcliff, Craighall Park, Parktown, and Blairgowrie, and currently supports and provides facilities for 10 sporting codes such as baseball, bowls, cricket, hockey, road running, rugby, soccer, squash, gym, and tennis.
The Star
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
City of Johannesburg to sell or lease Pirates Sports Club and Killarney Country Club
Loyiso Sidimba | Published 12 minutes ago The City of Johannesburg is moving ahead with the sale or long-term leasing of Pirates Sports Club in Greenside and the Killarney Country Club. According to the municipality, t he Killarney Country Club's value also exceeds R10 million, and an updated valuation will be conducted before the property's use and leasing . The proposed sale will be done in compliance with the provisions of the City of Joburg's supply chain management policy for land as approved by council in June 2009. The city is embarking on the process since the fair market value of Erf 1319 (proposed subdivision into portion 1 & Re of Erf 1319), Erf 1330, Erf 1318 (Proposed Subdivision into portion 1 & 2 of Erf 1318) Greenside Township, and the remainder of Erf 2184 Parkhurst Township, exceeds R10m. "The accounting officer for the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is authorised to conduct a public participation process in respect of the proposed sale, as envisaged in terms of Section 19 of the Supply Chain Management Policy for Land and Sections 34 and 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations," the municipality is proposing. The Killarney Country Club's value also exceeds R10m, and the updated valuation will be done before the use and leasing of the property. The city has indicated that after public participation has been concluded, all affected stakeholders are notified and updated in writing. It also intends to get comments from other departments, municipal entities, or ward councillors, where applicable, and if there are no objections to the intended lease and the properties are not needed for the provision of basic municipal services, a lease agreement may be entered into. A notarial deed of lease was entered into between the City Council of Johannesburg and a Pirates Sports Club for 25 years commencing in October 1953 and terminated in September 1973, and then an addendum to the lease was drafted, which extended the lease period for a further 15 years with effect from July 1990. The lease period was extended to June 2005, and the sports club requested a lease renewal for 20 years in lieu of their right to be compensated for the structural cost improvements, based on the amount to be determined by the valuer. The city concluded a lease agreement with the Pirates Club in 2014 for 20 years, and the said lease is valid until 2034. " It is important to note that the subject property is a sports facility intended for community use . It is centrally located in the Johannesburg region, the sports facility is accessible to a broad range of communities and population groups nearby," the city noted. The club also services other suburbs such as Parkhurst, Parkview, Emmarentia, Northcliff, Craighall Park, Parktown, and Blairgowrie, and currently supports and provides facilities for 10 sporting codes such as baseball, bowls, cricket, hockey, road running, rugby, soccer, squash, gym, and tennis. [email protected]
