The new ‘city’ with its own shopping mall, apartments, and schools in South Africa’s richest area

Construction has started on Phase 3 of Barlow Park in Sandton, adding 406 residential units to the mixed-use precinct.

The development is delivered by Atterbury, in partnership with Divercity Urban Property Group, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.

Phase 3 forms part of the broader expansion of Barlow Park, which is designed to combine residential, retail, education, commercial, and community uses within a single precinct.

Barlow Park is located between the M1 highway and Katherine Street, with Innesfree Park across the road and Sandton Central nearby.

The project began as the redevelopment of the former Barloworld headquarters into a high-density residential precinct.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s CEO, Cobus Odendaal, previously said Johannesburg is experiencing an increase in these types of projects where office buildings are being converted into residential and mixed-use developments.

One of the most exciting aspects of this movement, he said, is the potential to correct South Africa’s spatial inefficiencies.

“The rise of mixed-use developments is allowing for a return to a more integrated, live-work-play model,” Odendaal said.

“One major project example is Barlow Park in Sandton, where a former corporate park is being reimagined as a ‘city within a city’, offering affordable apartments alongside retail, schools, and recreational facilities.”

Phase 1 of the Barlow Park redevelopment included 1,630 residential units, 5,500 m² of convenience retail, and a 3,000 m² school.

The precinct was designed around green public spaces, with a central green spine connecting different parts of the development and linking Barlow Park with Innesfree Park.

Phase 2 was completed in June 2025 and added 846 rental units across two residential buildings above retail space.

The second phase also introduced shared facilities, including a sports centre, a gym, a business centre, a swimming pool, and social areas.

Pedestrian routes, green walkways and sheltered terraces form part of the design, while basement parking, controlled access and dedicated e-hailing zones support movement around the precinct.

Phase 3 will add 406 homes as demand for residential development close to Sandton’s employment and business centres grows.

Shopping and living at Barlow Park

Barlow Park includes a convenience retail centre with shops such as Checkers, Clicks, Mr Price, Nando’s, Roman’s Pizza, Vida e Caffè, PEP Home, PostNet, and Visionworks.

The retail component is intended to provide everyday goods and services without requiring residents to travel to larger shopping centres.

Residents have access to amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, co-working space, rooftop recreation areas, and a laundromat.

The development also advertises backup power and water, while free, uncapped fibre is also available to residents.

Education is another part of Barlow Park’s development. Curro Barlow Park High School operates a Digi-Ed campus within the precinct, providing an independent schooling option close to residents.

Barlow Park is also due to have an Earlybird Educare Centre, which will provide early childhood education using a play-based approach.

This means families can access early learning and schooling in the same neighbourhood.

The development’s location is one of its main draws. Barlow Park is close to Sandton City and major employment areas, while the M1 provides direct access to Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Residents can also access bus services, the Sandton Gautrain station, and the Grayston pedestrian and cycle bridge.

Innesfree Park, located opposite the development, provides additional green space and recreational opportunities.

The development has been designed to encourage pedestrian movement through landscaped walkways and shared public areas.

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Photos of Barlow Park

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