Page 20 - Waterfall City Issue 2 February 2025

Waterfall City News

THE FINAL FLOURISH

in revitalising the Woodmead Retail District

U nder the leadership of the Waterfall Common

Services Company (WCSC), the Woodmead
Retail District embarked on a transformative
journey in April 2023. This ambitious
improvement project aimed to breathe new life
into the area, enhancing traffic flow, aesthetics, and
security. By December 2023, the groundwork, which
included road and security upgrades, was complete.
The last piece of the puzzle, namely beautifying
the area through landscaping, followed shortly
thereafter, marking a new chapter for the precinct.

Recapping the journey
Woodmead, one of the earliest developed areas on the
Waterval farm, had started showing signs of neglect.
The once-thriving district faced challenges like
infrastructure decay and safety concerns. Recognising
these issues, WCSC initiated the Woodmead Retail
District Improvement Project. This initiative turned a
two-lane road into a four-lane stretch, added a new
traffic circle, and upgraded the existing one at Tiger
Wheel & Tyre. Thanks to C-Plan’s civil design expertise
and Infracor’s excellent project management, the
project was completed in just over eight months –
well ahead of the standard timeline for such initiatives.
Security was another key focus, with advanced
surveillance cameras featuring number plate and
facial recognition, installed. These enhancements
have significantly improved traffic flow and created
a safer environment, drawing positive feedback from
business owners and tenants.

“We’ve transformed Woodmead from a tired-looking
area into a vibrant precinct that matches Waterfall
City’s high standards,” says Thys Redelinghuys, General
Manager of WCSC.

The finishing touch
The landscaping phase, carried out in December 2023,
was the project’s final flourish. Designed to thrive
in Woodmead’s non-irrigated and sometimes frosty
environment, the plant selection prioritised resilience
and aesthetics. Indigenous and drought-resistant
plants like Aristida grass, Aloe cooperi, Aloe marlothii,
and Gazania, were strategically placed alongside
boulders and gravel to create an impactful, water-wise
design.

“The challenge was balancing cost sensitivity with
the need for durable, visually appealing landscaping,”

18 Waterfall City Issue 2 2025