In the mix: what’s happening in mixed-use developments, according to the East Africa Property Investment Summit

29 July 2024

dhk Partners Peter Fehrsen and Peter Stokes offer their thoughts after their participation in the summit in April.

The East Africa Property Investment Summit is the premier property networking event in the region. The two-day event reconnects investors, developers and industry leaders from Africa and globally. This year’s event welcomed over 443 attendees from 19 countries, in a dynamic event of open discussion and friendly networking. dhk Partners Peter Fehrsen and Peter Stokes attended the conference this year. In this article, they share their observations about notable discussions that took place, with a focus on mixed-use developments and public-private partnerships.

Mixed-use developments and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are familiar terrain in dhk’s projects, and these approaches form a strong backbone of our knowledge and experience. The conference discussions featured these as potential strategies for fostering development in the region.

Peter Fehrsen reflects on the main thrust of the conversations: “The discussions covered public-private partnerships (PPPs), mixed-use development and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. There was a growing focus on sustainability, particularly in respect of brownfield redevelopment and urban regeneration, especially in post-colonial cities that have degraded over time.” While regeneration can be seen as gentrification – a practice that often draws criticism and highlights concerns that the traditional character of neighbourhoods could be lost in the process, done carefully and inclusively, densification, urban upgrades and mixed-use projects can be useful tools for revitalising cities.

This is where partnerships come into play, as effective levers for sustainable regeneration. The entire conference was geared towards the East African development opportunity and its growing attractiveness as an investment destination. But, notes Fehrsen, successful ventures will depend on the strength of local partnerships.

He explains: “One strategy is to leverage existing relationships with local architects and influential or locally connected players active in the region. It’s about collaborating humbly, navigating delicately, finding your niche and contributing without arrogance,” says Fehrsen.

Peter Stokes agrees, adding, “Don’t underestimate the power and the need to have a local architect and to cultivate those relationships.”

Cultivating this mindset offers a greater impetus towards achieving development goals.

Fehrsen continues: “It’s more about improving the urban environment. Achieving alignment with municipalities, local and regional authorities, and tying in with their improved housing policies to finance projects that can accommodate communities in safe environments. So, if you can embark upon some form of public participation or partnership, it could be possible to increase the funds available, spreading the resources between public and private sources. A PPP also enables development of degraded inner-city areas, reinforcing local densification policies and stimulating greater interest in preserving heritage. All those things are becoming important.”

An example of this approach is dhk’s project to develop a public realm strategy for Bellville, Cape Town, with the Greater Tygerberg Partnership – an entity created as a public-private partnership with the City of Cape Town. The plan prioritises pedestrians, non-motorised transport and public transport, as well as creating positive public spaces for formal and informal traders. This kind of public sector investment is vital as it democratises access to spaces and shows tangible government commitment, thereby driving private sector investment and ultimately leading to regeneration.

Regarding mixed-use developments, Peter Stokes notes a trend towards incorporating retail components. He notes that mixed-use in denser urban environments is inevitable and is key to creating compact, vibrant and walkable neighbourhoods. He explains: “It is not uncommon to have a diversified urban development, anchored by commercial office, hospitality or residential tenants, to be integrated with appropriate retail space to activate the street. So there’s a kind of formula in which multiple uses or experiences can be brought to bear on how retail works.”

dhk’s experience in various use types, as well as our urban-centric and placemaking mindset, assists with the integration of uses to create a coherent, secure, legible and economic proposition. This is a tried and tested formula that helps to create the necessary bustle to sustain urban living. Our project at Oxford Parks is a notable example of this. Arising from the Dunkeld Design Manual, a masterplan for the area which we developed in 2015, the Oxford Park precinct incorporates commercial buildings and hospitality uses, with retail uses, set in a well-designed walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment that activates the street level and stimulates activity day and night.