Development of one of the last green lung spaces in the Sandton Central district to benefit businesses and residents alike.

One such public space is Sandton Central Park on the corner of Grayston and Sandton Drives.

Not only is this one of a limited number of open spaces in the district, but it is a gateway site into the district and one that has always been present, but very neglected and has detracted from the rest of the area. The SCMD, a non-profit company, manages the district in terms of cleaning, safety and urban management.

This greening project in Sandton Central, which has taken almost five years to secure, is finally close to completion. Today sees the official commencement of the planting of 35 indigenous trees in Sandton Central Park.

The park, one of the last green lung areas in the district, was officially handed over to Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) by Johannesburg City Parks (JCP) in March 2011 for development. It is within walking distance of Sandton City, various hotels and residential complexes along with several businesses close by, such as South African Breweries. The development of which was generously sponsored by Standard Bank, will officially be opened to the public in April 2012.

"We didn't just want to upgrade the park. We wanted to do something that would make a difference to Sandton Central and that would have longevity. With the various partners involved, we adopted an eco friendly approach and developed a recreational area that will not only serve as a beautiful addition to Sandton Central, but something that will actually counteract Sandton Central's carbon footprint," says Paul Van Rooyen, City Improvement District Manager of SCMD.

Phase 1 of Sandton Central Park will comprise of an amphitheatre, sculptured garden areas, benches, a children's play area and the planting of additional indigenous trees. Added to this will be a jogging trail, well paved pathways, secured parking and will encourage usage especially during lunch hours and weekends for all those who frequents the area.

Johannesburg City Parks and its partnership with the SCMD and Smile Media to develop a park in conjunction with Smile Media commenced early 2011. The 3-year agreement signed in March 2011, has ensured that income generated from the proceeds of the advertising are redirected to the development of a fully landscaped park, which includes a 3-year maintenance management agreement as well. This facility will be completed in March 2012 and the sponsorship hoarding will subsequently be removed following completion and launch of the park.

"The unique partnership allows for the private sector to work as a collective with the greening entity and business, to enhance the quality of the Sandton Central Park and thereby increase the quality of life of residents. This vital open space is overdue for a facelift and the partnership affords residents the opportunity to enjoy a world-class, multi functional outdoor experience in close proximity to their homes", says Oscar Oliphant, Senior Manager of Joburg City Parks.

SCMD, also partnered with Carbonworx, a division of the listed FoneWorx Holdings Limited, for guidance regarding the best way in which to utilise indigenous trees to assist in offsetting Sandton Centrals carbon footprint. This project fitted perfectly with Carbonworx's vision to facilitate improvement and adaption solutions to climate change.

"This initiative with Sandton Central precinct is an innovative and unique way to put the Sandton precinct on the international map, providing a platform for: climate, the community and biodiversity in general. Due to the fact that vacant land is very scarce in Sandton, especially for urban-eco forests and parks, this is a very valuable landmark," says Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Carbonworx.

Carbonworx consulted with Professor Stoffberg from the University of the Witwatersrand's Faculty of Environmental Sciences to ensure that the initial list of trees chosen to be planted in the park is suitable. Together they calculated that the trees will collectively offset a prerequisite amount of carbon within that geographical region over the next twenty years.

Ambassadors for Carbonworx, top South African rock band The Parlotones, also attended the tree planting ceremony to promote the CarbonWorx drive, which invites people to calculate their carbon footprint and buy trees to offset their impact. "As human beings, the onus is on us to be custodians of the planet – every individual should be involved and the most efficient, immediate and simple way is to plant a tree," says Kahn Morbee, lead singer of The Parlotones.

"City parks and open spaces strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighbourhoods more attractive places to live and work. However, today, too few people are able to enjoy the social, environmental and economic benefits parks can bring to a city and its people. It is with this exact premise in mind that the various partners involved have collectively examined viable pieces of land that could be developed for the benefit of all and help create a lasting impact on our city and its people," says Rowan Reiback of Smile Media whose role was to secure and liaise with sponsorship partners.

Based on the strong working relationship created with SCMD and Joburg City Parks, Smile Media was able to ensure that the primary sponsorship with Standard Bank was secured and assists in project managing this initiative.

The SCMD is managed by Urban Genesis, a pioneer in urban management and renewal which creates, delivers, manages and inspires exceptional urban places. Urban Genesis provides services to enhance the physical and social environments of business precincts with the core business being the establishment and management of City Improvement Districts.

SCMD urges all corporates within the district to get involved in the development and ongoing upkeep of the Sandton Central Park and will be looking to secure sponsorship to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the park.

For further queries please contact Paul van Rooyen (011 784 8400 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it