Major development in this area has transformed it from a quiet suburb to a bustling, high-density suburb that is the ideal “live, work, play” area.
Interest in Pretoria’s ever-expanding eastern suburbs is escalating by leaps and bounds, reaching new heights in Gauteng’s property market.
At the heart of this area is the small, centrally located suburb of Menlyn. Menlyn lies directly east of the N1 between the Garsfontein and Atterbury o¬ff-ramps. The suburb forms the midpoint, so to speak, between the well-established Old East, comprising timeless traditional neighbourhoods, and the younger, trendy and fast-developing New East. This, together with its proximity to the main roads in the area, makes Menlyn easy to access for people who live in the many surrounding suburbs.
The suburb recently saw two sizeable developments, which have had a major impact on the suburb’s character. The expansion of Menlyn Park shopping centre – which now claims to be the largest mall in Africa – was completed towards the end of last year. The mega mixed-use precinct development, Menlyn Maine, which offers office, retail and shopping space as well as an entertainment complex and Pretoria’s first casino, also paved the way for several other high-rise developments. These include commercial and residential projects in Menlyn and neighbouring suburbs like Ashlea Gardens, Lynnwood Glen and Newlands.
Menlyn Maine’s residential segment, a towering luxury apartment complex, The Trilogy Collection, is well under way. The first phase of apartments is scheduled to be completed early in 2019. The development will boast 550 units ranging from studio apartments to multimillion rand penthouses offering exquisite hotel-style living. Just across the N1 from Menlyn, in Ashlea Gardens, another new luxury apartment development, The Regency, offers the perfect city abode for young professionals and the corporate sector.
There’s an abundance of investment and development opportunities in the Menlyn node. It’s predicted that the demand for student accommodation in the area will rise significantly because of the node’s excellent access to the numerous reputable Further Education and Training colleges nearby and the University of Pretoria.
Another attractive quality of the suburb is the availability of public transport. Menlyn is on the Gautrain bus route and close to the Hatfield station. The suburb is also served by the new Bus Rapid Transport system. Most of the current residential developments are located within walking distance of the bustling commercial hubs of the suburb.
From humble beginnings as a quiet suburb with a smallish shopping centre and a small number of residents living in freestanding homes, Menlyn has developed into a sought-after, modern, high-density suburb that is the ideal “live, work, play” area.
I love Menlyn’s comprehensive shopping centres. I don’t have to drive all around town to do different shopping chores. I stop once and I leave once with everything I need.
-Leila Swart, resident.
- Baobab Cafe and Grill, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre: for family dining
- Guy Fieri's Kitchen and Bar SA, Time Square: for good food with an American-Italian influence
- Forti Grill and Bar, Time Square: for fine dining
- The Black Bamboo, Ashlea Gardens: for award-winning Asian cuisine
- Cubana Menlyn, Menlyn Piazza: for flavoursome Cuban-style cuisine
Things to do Menlyn:
- Play mini golf, laser tag, laser maze, bumper cars and go bowling at The Fun Company.
- Take the kids to the indoor Bounce trampoline park, Menlyn Maine.
- Enjoy a family outing to the 19th Hole Putt-Putt course.
- Visit the new Time Square South Africa Casino at Menlyn Maine.
Nature near Menlyn, Pretoria:
- Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary
- Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
- Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve
Why we love Menlyn Park Shopping Centre:
The new and contemporary Menlyn Park Shopping Centre offers a diverse and wide range of goods and services all in one place. The food court offers a great variety of food, where every member of the family will be able to find his/her favourite dish.
Kids can enjoy hours of fun at the Fun Company while moms and dads can keep a close eye on them from their favourite spot in the restaurant. The wide passages and walkways offer breathing space, even when the centre is busy it never feels too crowded. The extended trading hours is one of Menlyn Park’s most convenient features.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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