​The corner of Jan Smuts Avenue a​nd Chester Road has been converted from a historic nursery into a sophisticated mixed-use precinct that benchmarks international best practices in adaptive re-use and garden-led urbanism. A bold new chapter for Rosebank and The Parks is flourishing as Nine Yards [Joburg's new “green town square"] moves toward full operational capacity this month.

Following a successful phased launch that began in December 2025, the precinct will be fully activated by late May 2026, with its complete portfolio of retail, wellness, and lifestyle tenants open to the public.

Nine Yards represents a departure from traditional retail environments. Rather than a standard shopping centre, the development offers a curated communal space where culture, creativity, and local entrepreneurship converge. The vision, which began with the acquisition of property parcels in 2005, has evolved into a destination where once-residential homes have been reimagined as unique retail units, each maintaining a distinct architectural personality.

“Nine Yards is built around a simple but powerful idea: Johannesburg deserves places that feel human, hopeful and full of possibility," says Timothy Sammons, CEO of Cadastral Capital, a boutique investment and advisory house. “The response so far has shown how much people value thoughtful spaces where they can gather, connect and enjoy the city differently."

The precinct is an immersive expression of the city's potential, designed to feel walkable, layered, and deeply connected to nature. Central to the Nine Yards experience is a 450-metre urban promenade conceived by the award-winning landscape artist Patrick Watson. This textured journey is inspired by Johannesburg's storied botanical heritage and offers a serene alternative to the city's concrete-heavy commercial zones.

Written by Lesego Montso
15/05/2026

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