Central Park sets new benchmark for Affordable Urban Living

• 648-unit Kempton Park CBD development delivers safe, modern and affordable housing linked directly to Kempton Square retail.
• Innovative design repurposes structured parking, integrates commuter flows and activates retail along key pedestrian routes.
• Smart systems, recycled materials and efficient construction techniques cut costs, boost sustainability and elevate resident experience.

Central Park is a landmark 648-unit residential development reshaping Kempton Park’s CBD. Positioned directly alongside Kempton Square and opposite Arwyp Hospital, the project brings affordable, dignified urban housing to one of Gauteng’s busiest commuter and retail nodes.

Developed by ONE Property Holdings and project-managed by Vertias Project Management, Central Park marries smart design, integrated retail, sustainability and community upliftment — creating a secure mini-precinct tailored for real city living.

Development Snapshot

• Development: Central Park
• Location: Kempton Park CBD, Gauteng
• Developer: ONE Property Holdings
• Project Manager: Vertias Project Management
• Professional Team:
  – Architect: Alsfine & Angus
  – Structural Engineer: MCB Engineers
  – QS: Kafoela
  – Fire Consultant: IFESA
  – Health & Safety: Pieter Herbst
• Units & Typology:
  648 affordable apartments designed for efficient urban living
• Amenities:
  24-hour biometric access control, CCTV, children’s play area, braai zones, action soccer court, fibre-ready units with free uncapped Wi-Fi, secure internal courtyards, rooftop heat-pump system, lift backup power, 120,000L water storage
• Retail & Connectivity:
  New Central Park Mall retail strip with direct access to Kempton Square; street-facing retail; seamless pedestrian routes to taxi/bus ranks; integrated access to basement parking via new tunnel and registered servitude

A Development that regenerates a block

‍The Central Park site once home to the old post office and left vacant after demolition was earmarked by ONE Property Holdings for its strategic position and untapped potential. Its proximity to Arwyp Hospital, OR Tambo International Airport and major public transport corridors made the parcel ideally suited for high-demand urban housing.

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“Our vision for Central Park was to meet the pressing demand for safe, affordable and dignified housing in an area that has long been underserved,” says Werner Franck, MD of Vertias Development and development manager for the project. “We saw the opportunity to turn an underutilised block into a vibrant, connected and secure mixed-use environment that changes how residents experience the city.”

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Integrated retail, commuter flow & purpose built for movement

‍Central Park’s ground-floor layout was shaped by the natural footpaths connecting Kempton Square to the nearby transport hub. The development introduces Central Park Mall, an enclosed retail strip linking directly into Kempton Square, ensuring daily convenience and shelter for thousands of commuters.

Street-facing stores activate the sidewalks, while national retailers in Kempton Square - Pick n Pay, Clicks, Ackermans, Mr Price, and all major banks support the daily needs of residents. This integration enhances convenience, safety and footfall for both retail hubs.

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“We maintained the historic pedestrian desire lines and designed the new mall around them, allowing natural movement to drive retail energy,” adds Franck.

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Smart Parking solutions

‍A major innovation was the decision to repurpose existing structured parking at Kempton Square rather than build new parking on-site. The team registered a servitude and tunnelled beneath the surface to link the parking directly to the residential complex.

This approach delivered several advantages:

• significant savings on capital expenditure;
• better use of underutilised space;
• enhanced pedestrian connectivity;
• a more human-scaled, walkable precinct.

Unused parking bays were effectively recycled into a new asset, demonstrating practical regeneration in action.

Safe, dignified urban living

‍Access to the residential tower is controlled through biometric turnstiles, CCTV and a secure lobby with 24-hour security and lift access. “We wanted a mother and her children to feel relief and safety the moment they stepped inside,” says Franck.

Quality-of-life amenities include:

• children’s play parks
• braai and social areas
• action soccer field
• free uncapped Wi-Fi
• dedicated washing areas
• direct mall access

INNOVATIVE BUILDING TECHNIQUES THAT CUT COSTS & BOOST EFFICIENCY

Central Park adopted Hebel AAC blocks for internal structures — a lightweight, fire-resistant, thermally efficient solution that reduced structural component costs by 30%. The blocks’ adhesive system replaced traditional mortar, speeding up installation and ensuring cleaner, more consistent finishes.

The team elevated grey corridors into warm, human spaces with patterned Nutec ceilings, splashes of colour, seating nodes, natural light cut-outs and ventilation openings. “Durability doesn’t have to look cheap. We invested in finishes that are tough, attractive and respectful to residents,” Franck explains.

Recycled materials

‍Phase 3 introduced materials from Infinite Industries, innovators in transforming previously unrecyclable plastics (like toothpaste tubes) into durable boards. These were used for:

• benches and tables
• colourful skirting boards
• playful shapes for the children’s areas and fencing

Smart systems reducing costs

‍Central Park incorporates several efficiency measures:

• motion-activated LED lighting in common areas
• rooftop heat pump plant with metered hot/cold water
• 120,000L water backup storage
• generator for lifts and security systems
• new rooftop solar PV installation

In-unit finishes include granite tops, MDF cabinetry, built-in stoves, and washing-machine points prioritising longevity over short-term cost savings.

Developer vision

‍ONE Property Holdings specialises in converting underutilised spaces into income-producing assets that serve community needs and support local economic growth from rural retail to high-demand commuter hubs.

“Central Park is more than just a building; it’s a catalyst for positive change in the CBD creating safety, connectivity and dignity in the urban fabric of Kempton Park,” says Franck.

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