Hosted in conjunction with the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), the event highlighted the exceptional commitment of Intaprop to sustainable urban development. Annelide Sharratt remarked:

It was incredibly rewarding to both organise and participate in a Green Building tour that celebrated Intaprop’s visionary approach to creating a precinct centred around human scale, where people truly own the urban space.

Since 2018/19, Oxford Parks has seen remarkable milestones in green building. The first building, 199 Oxford Road, achieved a 5-Star Green Star Certification, setting the foundation for further progress. Today, with refined strategies and lessons learned, each new development within the precinct has incorporated increasingly cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

The 5th and 6th buildings—7 Parks Boulevard and 5 Parks Boulevard—have both achieved 6-Star Green Star Certifications and Net Zero strategies, demonstrating that sustainability can be attained with a cost uplift of just 1,3% to 2,4%. Looking ahead, the 7th and 8th buildings, 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood, are both targeting 6-Star V1.1, Net Zero, and V2 Certifications. This dedication reinforces Intaprop’s and Solid Green’s leadership in driving transformation within the African built environment.

Attending the tour, Kamohelo Selepe shared, “The experience was nothing short of inspiring. The day was filled with insightful conversations, networking opportunities, and a deeper appreciation of the precinct’s role in pioneering sustainability in the built environment.” The event provided a firsthand look at Oxford Parks’ commitment to pedestrian-friendly, environmentally responsible urban design.

A particularly memorable aspect of the tour was exploring the integration of art into the precinct’s identity. One standout piece was Usha Seejarim’s striking wing sculpture at the Radisson RED Hotel. Crafted from soleplates of domestic irons, the sculpture symbolises women’s agency and resonates with ancient winged mythological figures. Kamohelo noted:

This thoughtful use of materials transforms everyday objects into powerful artistic expressions.

Intaprop Director Carollyn Mitchell’s words, “Joburg is a city in a jungle, and people own the space”, capture the essence of Oxford Parks. The development harmonises nature, urban design and community ownership, reinforcing Johannesburg’s identity as a dynamic and evolving city where people actively shape their environment.

This journey highlights the collective commitment to green building, setting a benchmark for the industry. As Oxford Parks continues to evolve, it serves as a model for future developments in Johannesburg and beyond, proving that sustainability, innovation and human-centred design are fundamental to the future of urban spaces.