the gauteng spatial development framework - Gauteng Online

PATTERNS OF ECONOMIC CONSOLIDATION BY BROAD ECONOMICSECTORA GSDF response to the present approachAttention is drawn to the fact that much of the transformed urban structureunderpinning the GSDF is deliberately robust enough to cope with non-prescriptivegrowth since no times, rates, origins or specific destinations can be placed againstthe city region's anticipated population growth. Similarly, the urban structure doesnot make specific land-use allocations in respect of specific economic sectors butrather promotes a complex, mixed-use urban development approach that canreceive non-prescriptive economic growth as well.Nevertheless, it is essential that all employment and economic growth strategiesfind their spatial dimension in the GSDF's urban structure, consistent with theprinciples on which it is based, in line with the consolidation patterns sought andpromoting of the spatial equilibrium between activity and movement required.It is recommended that on-going collaboration be followed in ensuring that allemployment and economic growth strategies be optimised in the spatial structureof the GSDF. It is within this perspective that the following view on economicconsolidation is set out.The spatial pattern of urban consolidation, and the urban structure on which it is based,are deliberately robust and non- specific in terms of growth rates and programmes. It is,from an economic point of view, a spatial basis on which various strategies may be exploredand implemented in the knowledge of the fundamental logic of space, linkages andinfrastructure that is being promoted.The spatial planning input, therefore, talks of economic activity and foci of economicinvestment in broad economic sector terms only (the primary, secondary, tertiary andquaternary sectors) and does not detail, in spatial terms, any specific economic programme,key industry, initiative or driver. Figures C.5.1 and Figure C.5.2 indicate, for each sector inturn, the general pattern of economic distribution as it exists at present and, with on-goingeconomic growth, stimulus, policy support and infrastructural investment, the broadpatterns of spatial consolidation that need to be achieved into the future.In very broad terms, the urban spatial structure is best understood as cruciform (theVanderbijlpark/ Johannesburg/ Tshwane north-south axis and the Randfontein/ Johannesburg/Springs east-west axis both intersecting at the Johannesburg CBD). The circumferentiallogic of spatial intensification and densification around the Tshwane, Johannesburg andVanderbijlpark regional cores finds most of this consolidation occurring in the greaterJohannesburg region.The East Rand has always been, and continues to be the most naturally occurring area ofindustrial consolidation by virtue of regional linkages, regional development corridors andinfrastructure (air, rail and road) and should be encouraged to provide the distinct competitiveedge it gives the province. Nevertheless, balance is required in the urban spatial structure,and growth of the western lobe of the urban system would make for a more efficient andequitable urban form with more balanced linkages and economies. The southern andsouth-western regions of the system, too, require economic stimulus where large populationsof marginalised people have been placed.ANNEXURE C: POLICY PERSPECTIVESGAUTENG SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2011GAUTENG GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY176