Rainbow Junction development nears completion

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24-01-2025
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Pretoria Rekord
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Currently, the project’s intermodal facility is in its final stages of construction, with the contractor working on the snag list to meet the new deadline.

Pretoria North’s urban landscape is set to change dramatically with the completion of the multi-million rand Rainbow Junction development.

The transit-orientated development (TOD) seeks to connect the residential townships of Ga-Rankuwa, Soshanguve, Mabopane, and Hammanskraal with Pretoria’s central business district (CBD).
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the project is expected to be fully operational by June, with over 95% work done.

This 140-hectare development represents one of the City of Tshwane’s Strategic Urban Development (SUD) projects and is designed to bring economic upliftment, improved public transport, and modern urban living to the area.

The project combines cutting-edge design, green-conscious planning, and economic opportunity into one integrated development. It includes a mixed-use environment with residential areas, retail malls, hotels, schools, and conference facilities.

At the heart of the development is the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility, which will serve as a critical transport hub, merging bus, taxi, and rail services into a single, accessible location.

The facility is designed to alleviate congestion, provide a more efficient public transport system, and reduce the long commute to the outlying townships.

It is part of the city’s A Re Yeng Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and will improve connectivity between the metro and its surrounding suburbs.

Mashigo said: “The Rainbow Junction Development Company (Pty) Ltd, a private developer in the area to whom most of the vacant land at Rainbow Junction belongs, is currently in the final stages of planning a convenience retail facility in the area but is furthermore also in the process of township development to instal services as catalyst for further residential, retail and business development.”

He highlighted that one of the main objectives of the development is to make public transport more accessible to all residents of Tshwane, transforming the city’s transport system by creating a high-quality, affordable option that adheres to the National Transport Strategy of 2007.

Though the development is near completion, it has faced several setbacks.

The original deadline for practical completion was March 2021, but delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, contractors’ financial issues, land expropriation disputes, and community interference extended the timeline.

Currently, the project’s intermodal facility is in its final stages of construction, with the contractor working on the snag list to meet the new deadline.

The completion of the K14 bridge over the Apies River is also underway, a key component that will improve the traffic flow around the Wonderboom area.

This bridge is expected to enhance public transport connectivity and open up the area for more residential and economic activity.

Once completed, it will address some of the existing traffic bottlenecks at Wonderboom Junction, further boosting the development’s economic potential.

Rainbow Junction already created 837 jobs during construction, and the metro expects the project to generate many more job opportunities once fully operational.

Mashigo said the development is strategically positioned 6km from the Pretoria CBD, with easy access to major roads, rail services, and the nearby Wonderboom National Airport.

He said its location and transport links make it a prime area for economic growth, attracting business and residents to the area.

The metro has long recognised the need to address the spatial inequality of Pretoria’s urban landscape as yownships such as Soshanguve and Mamelodi are located far from the city’s economic opportunities, forcing residents to endure long commutes by train or minibus taxi daily.

“Rainbow Junction seeks to address this by bringing economic opportunities closer to these communities, making it a major nodal point in Tshwane’s urban landscape.”

The Rainbow Junction project is not just a transport hub but also a catalyst for broader urban development.

“The area surrounding the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility will feature a range of new facilities, including shelter for minibus taxis, park-and-ride facilities, ablution blocks, and spaces for informal traders.

“Administrative office blocks for the A Re Yeng BRT and local taxi associations will also be included, creating a centralised location for public transport operations in Pretoria North,” he said.

The metro envisions Rainbow Junction as a vibrant, mixed-use environment that fosters residential and economic growth.

Approximately half of the land in the area is being reserved for green and open spaces, creating a balance between urban development and environmental sustainability.

In terms of infrastructure, the project is aligned with Tshwane’s long-term vision of providing high-quality public transport for all residents.

As the project approaches its final months of construction, the focus is on completing the remaining infrastructure, including the installation of escalators, lifts, and landscaping work.

Mashigo confirmed that the Wonderboom Intermodal Facility will be completed by the end of June, after which it will be fully operational.

Once completed, Rainbow Junction will represent a significant step forward for Pretoria North, not only providing residents with better public transport but also creating new economic opportunities and improving the overall quality of life in the area.

The project is a testament to the metro’s commitment to building a more connected and prosperous city for all its residents.

Rainbow Junction is set to be one of the most transformative developments in Tshwane, reshaping Pretoria North into a modern urban space.

With its combination of public transport infrastructure, residential facilities, retail, and green spaces, the development will become a model for future urban projects in South Africa.