I was genuinely stunned by my visit to the Nine Yards precinct in Parktown North, Johannesburg. Situated near Rosebank, this development occupies the well-known site of The Garden Shop, formerly a Keith Kirsten nursery—a Johannesburg landmark many locals will immediately recognise.
Describing Nine Yards isn’t easy. When I’ve tried to explain it to people, they often compare it to nurseries with added retail or small shopping centres with greenery. But those comparisons fall short. This is something entirely different. In fact, rather than trying to capture it in words, I’d strongly suggest visiting in person—because Nine Yards is already becoming, and will continue to become, a sought-after destination.
Historically, the Garden Shop site has always been home to a nursery. What makes Nine Yards extraordinary is that the developers have acquired nine adjoining properties, transforming them into a single, cohesive precinct—hence the name Nine Yards. Not in the measurement sense, but in the literal meaning of interconnected “yards.” Each yard has its own character and purpose, housing a diverse mix of offerings: fresh food markets, seafood specialists, restaurants, artisanal retail, and creative spaces.
One standout experience for me was the art centre, where anyone can walk in, paint ceramics, and have them fired professionally. While there, a staff member casually asked if I’d like to make my own pizza—because, tucked away at the back, there’s also a fully functioning pizza-making facility. It’s these unexpected, human-scale moments that make the precinct feel alive and welcoming.
As we walked through Nine Yards, what struck me most was how seamlessly nature has been preserved and enhanced. Mature trees, new indigenous plantings, shrubs, and gardens have been thoughtfully integrated into the design. Pathways guide you through the precinct, with different paving colours subtly indicating the various yards. The result is a tranquil yet dynamic environment that encourages exploration.
This is innovation—real, considered innovation—arriving in an older Johannesburg suburb. Nine Yards feels like a green lung within the city: a place where people can slow down, relax, and enjoy themselves while still having access to excellent food, retail, and creative experiences. It’s perfect for children, ideal for businesspeople meeting clients over breakfast or lunch, and equally appealing to older visitors looking to enjoy coffee, cake, and a gentle walk in a beautiful setting.
In all my years covering entrepreneurship and innovation on Idea Accelerator—now more than 15 years—I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like this in South Africa. Yes, there have been developments that combine nurseries and retail, but never on this scale, and never with this level of vision and cohesion. This is a large, ambitious, and deeply thoughtful development.
When you start looking at the figures below and dig into the concept in more detail, the sheer magnitude of Nine Yards becomes clear. It bowled me over. And once again, I’ll say it: you really need to experience it in person to fully appreciate what’s been created here.
FACT BOX: The Nine Yards Precinct, Parktown North
Location:
167 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg (near the Chester Road intersection, on the edge of Rosebank and The Parks)
Concept:
Nine Yards is a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use lifestyle precinct designed as a modern “green town square.” Rather than a traditional shopping centre, it brings together food, retail, art, wellness, and community spaces in a nature-rich, walkable environment.
Scale and Structure:
• Developed across nine adjoining properties
• Incorporates 13 existing heritage and older buildings
• Houses 30+ curated tenants across retail, food, art, wellness, and office spaces
• Connected by a 450-metre landscaped urban promenade
Design Approach:
The development is based on adaptive reuse—preserving and repurposing existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding. Original architectural elements are retained and layered with contemporary materials such as steel and concrete, creating a blend of old and new. Indigenous landscaping and mature trees form the backbone of the precinct’s design.
The Nine “Yards”:
Each yard has its own identity and function, including:
• The Garden Shop and fresh food areas
• Café and retail zones
• An events space known as The Ruins
• An amphitheatre and pavilion
• Artisan studios, galleries, and creative spaces
• Art and wellness facilities (with a spa under development)
Experience:
Designed to encourage slower urban living, Nine Yards offers places to gather, relax, create, and explore. Visitors can shop for fresh produce, enjoy outdoor dining, attend cultural events, participate in creative workshops, or simply walk and spend time in nature.
Opening Timeline:
• Initial openings began in December 2025
• Full tenant activation expected by February–March 2026
Developer and Ownership:
The precinct is a private development by Cadastral Capital, with ownership shared between the Lubner family, Arnold Forman, additional investors, and Cadastral Capital.
Investment:
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, the scope of property acquisition, heritage restoration, landscaping, and tenant curation represents a significant multi-million rand investment focused on long-term urban regeneration.
