The HDA Land Holding department was initiated in 2010. Today the HDA has 16 properties in its portfolio, with the potential of increasing this number.
These properties range from various portfolio set-ups, including commercial, residential and mixed used. They are tailored in different forms such as vacant lands, developed lands and buildings.
Of the 16 properties in the portfolio, there are two Johannesburg inner-city properties, which are high-rise buildings. One building, known as the 27 Hoek Street building, is located within the Park Station precinct, next to the Gautrain Johannesburg CBD train station.
The other building is known as the Union Square building – located in the Plein Street precinct, opposite the famous Noord Street taxi rank. These buildings are built up to nine and 20 floor levels, respectively.
When these buildings were purchased, one was completely vacant and the other, with 19 floors, was occupied only on the ground floor by retail stores. The vacant parts had been subjected to vandalism, theft, pollution, invasion and fire risks.
The HDA exercised its technical abilities, and instituted mitigating maintenance measures to normalise the conditions in both buildings. The HDA’s functions include:
The measures implemented at both properties included but were not limited to: flood control and prevention systems, clearing away all fire-hazardous material and repairing and servicing of fire equipment, repairs and maintenance of electrical and plumbing services, and removal of illegal traders within the building lines.
The HDA’s land holding interventions contributed to the security and safety of the buildings, prevented illegal occupancy, and gave both buildings better spectator views, security, and increased equipment and items’ lifespan.
Similar measures and principles are, and can be, implemented on any property subject to the results obtained after initial and ongoing technical assessments.
These services can also be offered to any organ of state to ensure security of well-located land and buildings for human settlements development.
