Developed by Zenprop Property Holdings on behalf of the Liesbeek Leisure Properties Trust, this mixed-use precinct sets a new benchmark for integrated, future-ready urban environments.

A Vision for Sustainability and Community

Spanning 14.7 hectares along the Liesbeek Parkway in Observatory, Riverlands is a world-class mixed-use estate that combines commercial, residential, and retail spaces with thoughtfully integrated green infrastructure. The development is strategically located, with excellent connectivity to Cape Town’s key districts, including the Central Business District, University of Cape Town, and Cape Town International Airport.

Beyond its prime location, Riverlands was designed with a strong commitment to environmental restoration and community well-being. The development integrates six kilometres of river trails and running tracks, an ecological park, and a First Nations Heritage and Media Centre, which will serve as a hub for cultural preservation and education.

Sustainability at the Core

The 5-Star Green Star Sustainable Precinct rating is a testament to Riverlands’ holistic approach to sustainability, incorporating governance, liveability, economic prosperity, and environmental performance.

Some key sustainability highlights include:

Environmental Leadership

• Ecological Restoration: The Liesbeek River has been restored from a concrete canal to a natural riverine ecosystem, providing a thriving habitat for endemic species such as the Western Cape leopard toad, grey heron, and malachite kingfisher.
• Energy Efficiency: More than 30% of the precinct’s energy demand is met through on-site solar PV installations, with all buildings designed to exceed energy efficiency standards.
• Climate Adaptation & Resilience: A Climate Adaptation Plan and Community Resilience Plan have been developed to mitigate climate risks and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Green Spaces & Heat Island Reduction: Extensive indigenous landscaping, a medicinal garden, and outdoor activity zones contribute to urban cooling and enhance biodiversity.

People-Centric Urban Design

• Walkability & Active Lifestyles: The precinct prioritises non-motorised transport (NMT), offering extensive pedestrian pathways, cycling routes, and outdoor gyms to promote a healthier urban lifestyle.
• Community Integration: A dedicated Community Development Plan fosters social engagement, ensuring that residents, businesses and visitors actively contribute to precinct life.
• Heritage & Cultural Celebration: The First Nations Heritage and Media Centre, managed by the Western Cape First Nations Collective Trust, will serve as a focal point for indigenous cultural preservation and education.
• Designed for Safety: the precinct has included design principles that reduce risk by improving visibility through considered placement of lighting and increased activated public spaces.

Economic Prosperity & Infrastructure Innovation

• Strategic Connectivity: The new Berkley Road bridge and road upgrades significantly enhance east-west mobility, benefiting the broader Cape Town community.
• Inclusion and Social Impact: the development is designed to be used and enjoyed by all people through ensuring accessibility, social infrastructure and housing incentive programmes.
• Smart Infrastructure: All habitable buildings have access to fibre-optic broadband and free public Wi-Fi, ensuring digital inclusivity.

A Model for Future Sustainable Cities

“Riverlands exemplifies how progressive urban development can balance economic growth, environmental stewardship and social inclusivity,” says Adrie Fourie, Head of Department: Sustainable Cities & Research at Solid Green. “This achievement is a collaborative success, with Solid Green serving as the Sustainability Consultant, alongside a multi-disciplinary professional team including Vivid Architects, Paragon Architects and Zutari.”

With its 5-Star Green Star certification, the precinct stands as a pioneering model for sustainable cities in Africa, reinforcing Zenprop’s position as a global leader in green urban innovation. As Riverlands continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainability, resilience and community well-being ensures that it will not only thrive today but remain future-proof for generations to come.

Professional team

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: RED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS/PENINSULA LANDSCAPING
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: SELKIRK AND SELKIRK
MECHANICAL/FIRE/WATER/CIVIL ENGINEER: ZUTARI
LIFT ENGINEER: S4E
URBAN/TOWN PLANNERS: PLANNING PARTNERS
URBAN DESIGNERS: MLS URBAN DESIGN
HEALTH AND SAFETY: SOLID STATE SAFETY
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: MLC
BIODIVERSITY SPECIALIST: LIZ DAY CONSULTING
HERITAGE CONSULTANT: VIDEMEMORIA HERITAGE CONSULTANT
SOLAR INSTALLATION: SOLINK

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