Johannesburg’s appetite for beautifully designed, community-driven spaces is finding a new home at Nine Yards — the ambitious lifestyle precinct reshaping the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Chester Road into one of the city’s most exciting urban destinations.
Following a phased opening that began in December 2025, the precinct is now set to become fully operational in May 2026, with all retail and lifestyle tenants officially open for business.
A New Kind of Joburg Experience
Positioned on a site long associated with one of Johannesburg’s most iconic nurseries, Nine Yards has evolved into far more than a retail development. The precinct now stretches across nine surrounding properties, transformed into a contemporary mixed-use environment that blends greenery, architecture, creativity and community.
At a time when consumers are increasingly drawn to experiential spaces, Nine Yards is tapping into exactly what urban dwellers have been seeking: walkability, nature, thoughtful design and a sense of connection.
Already, visitors are embracing the precinct as a destination for everything from morning coffees and long lunches to boutique shopping, wellness experiences and everyday convenience.
Curated Lifestyle Meets Garden Urbanism
The precinct features more than 30 tenants spanning artisanal food, coffee culture, fashion, wellness, interior décor, fresh produce and creative retail concepts — all carefully curated to create a distinctly local and elevated experience.
What sets Nine Yards apart, however, is its emphasis on landscape and open-air living. The gardens, still in the final stages of planting, are expected to become one of the precinct’s defining features as the greenery matures over time.
At the heart of the development is a 450-metre urban promenade designed by renowned landscape artist Patrick Watson. Inspired by Johannesburg’s historic gardens and green spaces, the promenade introduces an immersive outdoor journey woven through the precinct’s retail and social spaces.
Architecture by Matthew Miller of Milarchi complements the vision, balancing adaptive re-use with contemporary interventions that feel distinctly Johannesburg.
Building Spaces That Feel Human
According to Timothy Sammons, the precinct was designed around a simple but powerful philosophy.
“Johannesburg deserves places that feel human, hopeful and full of possibility,” he says. “The response so far has shown how much people value thoughtful spaces where they can gather, connect and enjoy the city differently.”
The project also carries deep personal significance for investor Marc Lubner, whose family legacy is closely tied to the site’s horticultural history through The Gardenshop.
Together with Arnold Forman, Bradley Benatar, Timothy Sammons and Michael Hunt, the team sought to create a precinct that not only elevates urban living, but also contributes lasting value to Johannesburg’s social and cultural fabric.
The Rise of Neighbourhood-Centric Retail
Nine Yards arrives at a moment when mixed-use precincts are becoming increasingly important to how people live, work and socialise. Consumers are no longer simply looking for places to shop — they are seeking environments that offer authenticity, creativity and a stronger sense of community.
With its garden-led approach, curated tenant mix and emphasis on human-scale experiences, Nine Yards reflects a broader shift in how South African cities are reimagining urban development.
More than just another retail destination, Nine Yards is positioning itself as a living, breathing neighbourhood square — one designed to evolve with the city around it.
A Greener Vision for Johannesburg
As the precinct settles into full operation, Nine Yards is quickly becoming symbolic of a softer, greener and more connected Johannesburg.
In a fast-paced urban environment often defined by congestion and concrete, the development offers a refreshing alternative: a place where nature, design and everyday life intersect seamlessly.
For many Joburg residents, that vision is exactly what makes Nine Yards feel so timely — and so necessary.
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