Shipping containers make for an amazingly simple building module, with the overall design strongly influenced by the use of what are essentially large ‘lego’ blocks. Combining shipping containers with clever design, splashes of vibrant colours, together with a mix of different materials and cladding,go to creating a contemporary, aesthetically pleasing building. 

However, building with containers is by no means cheap construction. Containers still need the same or higher finishes as a conventional building, as well as the same professional fees and cost of services, so the overall cost saving is not that significant. Using containers does, however, enable us to fast-track the construction process and the time to build is significantly less than conventional building. Buildings constructed out of shipping containers provide an unusual alternative, which if well designed and conveniently situated, are an attractive option for tenants.

Citiq’s CEO, Paul Lapham says: “The first shipping container building we built back in 2012 was a small apartment blockin Randburg, 61Countesses thatwas rented out within two days of completion. From there we built Mill Junction,a student residence in Newtown, using a mix of shipping containers and the existing grain silos, followed by more student accommodation in Brixton.These have all been noteworthy projects and the reaction from neighbours and takeup by tenants was extremely positive. These early projects led us to believe that South Africans are hungry for something different and visually interesting,” he says

With this behind us, we were able to secure the site of Faan Smit Park in Melville, and a retail centre built entirely out of shipping containers seemed an obvious next step. Arthur Blake our MD of Citiq Property Developers, came up with the design of 27boxes (27 being the average size of a shipping container when finished) which is the first ever container retail centre in South Africa. Our shipping container concept, as well as building the centre for smaller independent retailers, provides a refreshing alternative to the traditional shopping malls in South Africa.  People who have visited the site are really enthusiastic about the potential, and tenant take-up of stores at the centre has been extremely positive, leading us to believe that our retail concept fulfils a real need in the market.

There are very few opportunities for small businesses and start-ups to rent affordable space in secure and centrally situated shopping centres.  Historically SMEshave had to rely on weekendor crafters’ markets, or find premises on the outskirts of the suburbs and city.  27Boxes makes sense to entrepreneurs as it has all the advantages of a busy retail space where they can sign up for one month or moreand be exposed to enthusiastic shoppers.  

For those who are testing the market, there are also pop-ups which, in turn,adds to the eclectic mix of stores.Although not specifically designed for young start-ups, we feel the concept does support this segment of the market and we are proud to be associated with helping the next generation of entrepreneurs who convert concepts into successful businesses.

We selected Melville and subsequently Faan Smit Park because it was centrally situated in a busy part of the town close to Melville’s bohemian shopping district and the site had a minimum of existing structures. It proved to be an ideal space to build a retail centre.  Faan Smit Park was transferred from City Parks to the Johannesburg Property Company in the late 1990’s and was acquired by a company known as the Joburg Artists Market.

Melville’s residents complainedthat the park was not being used and was being overrun by ‘undesirables’. Over the next two decades it suffered and development was stalled as different proposals were considered and abandoned. In 2008 the Park was officially and permanently closed.By 2013 we had acquired thelease and after engaging with the Council and the communitystarted development of 27Boxes. Part of obtaining buy-in from all stakeholders was that we have provided200 parking bays, which will go a long way to assisting with dealing with parking issues around Melville’s busy shopping district

There have been several delays in opening the centre, some of which were due to unseasonal rain earlier this year and some due to technical challenges in the layout of the containers. The centre will offer something for everyone, with the tenant mix including a number of food stores and deli’s, clothing and design centres, as well as a restaurant, bakery and health shop.