The Tyrone Avenue ‘node’ (as it is described in the City of Johannesburg Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF)) is one of the few remaining high streets, mixed use, community, business and shopping areas in Johannesburg. The oldest of the businesses in the precinct is more than 40 years old and several of them have been open for more than 30 years.
The Parkview Library is also in Tyrone Avenue. Situated in its own garden with a children’s playground, the library is a one of the city’s favourites, with 2 500 active borrowers and a range of well-used facilities.
Over the years, as other main street shopping districts have disappeared and as the City’s infrastructural base has deteriorated, the precinct has begun to wear. The pavements are in bad condition, the road is potholed, the parking is in disarray and the area is sliding towards decay. The library is hidden behind shrubbery and unnecessary fences.
The proposed project is intended to reverse this trend and to introduce improvements that will both improve community services and facilities in the area and conserve an important part of Johannesburg’s heritage.
A ‘village square’ is proposed for the area directly outside the library, incorporating the main street using attractive paving and enhancing visibility of and access to the building. It is also proposed that the existing playground be refurbished in the form of an outdoor gym for children with the intention of promoting more healthy children’s lifestyles and to draw them to the library.
The village square is envisaged to become the focal point for the community, hosting events, markets and celebrations throughout the year.
The street surface and pavements will be repaired and, where appropriate, redesigned to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety, provide for street furniture and improve lighting. The walkability of Parkview is one of its attractive characteristics, and ensuring ease of movement for people on foot is a priority.
Both the introduction of a village square and improving pedestrian and bicycle access are intended to support outdoor living and good environmental practice, consistent with the recently introduced “GreenParkview” initiative to promote solar water heating in the area.
Improved public facilities are also planned – a toilet facility for car guards and other people working in public areas has already been put in place at the library. Modest facilities for street traders are proposed to accommodate existing small business ventures and to better regulate and contain this form of trade in the street. The drawings of the proposed upgrade can be seen on the notice board outside the Spar.
The Parkview Residents’ Association has also recently completed a refurbishment of the exterior of Parkview Post Office, with contributions from local residents
Community involvement and citizen activism are at the heart of the project. The plan is being developed in close consultation with property owners and businesses as well as the local residential community. In the longer term, it is planned to introduce a community improvement district to oversee safety, security and cleaning work, in close co-operation with the already successful SafeParkview community security initiative.
The project is intended to be modular in design, allowing its component parts to be discretely funded and undertaken. A fundraising campaign is in the process of being developed.