The Rise of Mixed-Use Precincts: Future-Proofing South African Cities

As South Africa's urban environments evolve, mixed-use precincts are emerging as a strategic response to the core challenges facing modern businesses. More than just a planning trend, these developments directly answer the 'why' for business owners: how to ensure operational stability and attract the best talent. By clustering residential, commercial, and leisure functions, they create self-sufficient ecosystems that counter the effects of failing municipal services.

These precincts offer a new level of reliability through privatised management of utilities and security, ensuring constant power and a safe environment. Simultaneously, they create desirable 'nodes' of offices close to home, championing the '15-minute city' model. For employees, this means a better work-life balance and less time commuting. For employers, it's the ultimate tool for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market, making these precincts a cornerstone of commercial stability and growth.

What Is Driving Demand for Mixed-Use Precincts in South Africa?

South Africa's rapid urbanisation has placed pressure on infrastructure, public transport, and utilities. Traditional single-use zones exacerbate long commutes and inefficiencies, making mixed-use precincts a compelling alternative.

While the advantages for residents are clear, the potential for businesses, investors, and developers extends much further. Integrated developments combining homes, offices, shops, and leisure facilities don't just improve residents' daily lives; they're fundamentally changing what makes commercial real estate valuable.

Strategic Benefits for Businesses and Investors

1. Proximity Breeds Productivity

Mixed-use precincts reduce commute times and foster live-work-play ecosystems, ensuring a healthier work-life balance for employees. The "15-minute city" model ensures that workplaces, homes, and service nodes are connected and accessible.

2. Economic Resilience Through Diversification

These precincts balance residential, office, and retail space, creating more predictable revenue flows and less vulnerability to changing market conditions.

3. Managed and Secure Environments

Many developments incorporate security measures, including biometric controls, CCTV, and 24-hour precinct management, creating environments that appeal to tenants, investors, and consumers alike.

4. Sustainability and Walkability

Mixed-use precincts often feature green designs, efficient water usage, waste management systems, cycle paths, and hiking trails, illustrating how precincts can promote healthier, more environmentally aware communities. In Cape Town's CBD, the rise of green developments and car-free initiatives further demonstrates this shift.

Real-World Examples from South African Cities

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare precinct that combines a sprawling shopping mall, hotels, offices, entertainment, and residential spaces. With over 450 shops, 13 hotels, and a working harbour, it's a highly successful mixed-use hub that attracts millions annually. A massive drawcard for businesses is a commercial vacancy rate of under 1%. Demand is sky-high, and office rentals range between R180 and R300 per square metre.

View available properties in the V&A Waterfront.

Waterfall City, Midrand

Attacq's expansion here, boosted by its full ownership of the Mall of Africa, reflects strong investor confidence. The precinct combines retail, residential, and workspace areas and, according to Reuters, is expected to benefit from R1.7 billion in development over several years. Waterfall Distribution Campus is a prime example of a mixed-use space featuring premium-grade warehousing and modern A-grade offices.

View available properties in Waterfall.

Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Introduced in 2006 as Africa's first green city, Menlyn Maine encompasses a range of spaces, including retail, residential, hotel, public park, and commercial office areas. It features a central square (opened in 2016), residential towers, and a casino-arena complex that integrates lifestyle, work, and leisure. Menlyn’s strategic location offers unparalleled connectivity to various parts of Pretoria and beyond, making it an obvious choice for business owners.

View available properties in Menlyn Maine.

Century City, Cape Town

Century City is a premier mixed-use precinct strategically located a 10-minute drive from Cape Town's central business district. As a key commercial node, it features A-grade office facilities, extensive retail centres, and modern residential developments, all integrated into a pedestrian-friendly environment with direct access to the N1 highway. With a stellar 2% office vacancy rate as of March 2025, it’s no wonder businesses are flocking here for stability and growth.

View available properties in Century City.

Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

Melrose Arch is a groundbreaking mixed-use precinct that has redefined urban living and working in Johannesburg, attracting professionals who don’t just want an office; they want a lifestyle. Since its development began in 1998, the precinct has evolved to encompass commercial offices, retail spaces, hotels, and residential areas, all of which are integrated with green initiatives.

View available properties in Melrose Arch.

Westown, Shongweni (Durban)

As part of a R30 billion, 2,000-hectare urban development, Westown was launched in March 2025. It includes a shopping centre (Westown Square), lifestyle spaces, business parks, residential zones, healthcare facilities, industrial logistics operations and significant public investment, setting a new standard for mixed-use planning in Durban's Outer West.

View available properties in Westown, Shongweni.

Key Considerations for Business Leaders and Property Investors

How Anvil Property Smith Unlocks the Future of Mixed-Use Development

1. Guiding Clients Through Complexity

As brokers working in industrial and commercial property, Anvil Property Smith is well-positioned to advise on the unique dynamics of mixed-use developments: zoning, tenant mix, and precinct services.

2. Unlocking Value for Tenants and Investors

Well-managed precincts retain higher property values and offer diverse tenant appeal, creating long-term investment attractiveness.

3. Aligning with National Property Trends

With properties on our books in developments such as Waterfall City, V&A Waterfront, Century City, and Menlyn Maine, Anvil can position itself at the nexus of South Africa's mixed-use momentum.

4. Enhancing Sustainability Credentials

Brokerage expertise in precincts prioritising green infrastructure will resonate strongly with environmentally conscious investors and corporations.

Mixed-use precincts are rapidly redefining urban commercial landscapes in South Africa, from Cape Town's V&A Waterfront to Durban's Westown. Whether through integrated residential- retail-office environments or green, walkable urban villages, these precincts offer strategic advantages for businesses: resilience, convenience, sustainability, and value stability.

As industrial and commercial brokers, Anvil Property Smith has the expertise to guide clients through this evolving real estate landscape - facilitating partnerships and unlocking long-term, integrated value.