.jpg)
.jpg)
Architecture without an agenda: The story of Nine Yards
What makes Nine Yards feel genuinely different from other precinct developments in Joburg is the question of what was here before, and how carefully it has been treated.
Nine Yards transforms 13 historical buildings – once back-of-house spaces hidden behind high walls – into a connected precinct. Rather than demolishing or replacing, the project is anchored in adaptive reuse and heritage preservation: stitching together existing structures with thoughtfully scaled contemporary interventions. The result is a space that feels layered, local and full of character.
Everything, from the colourful tiled paving (you’ll feel a bit like Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road) to the cleverly designed bathrooms with their Brutalist flair, reflects this attention to detail. Winding through the precinct is a lush 450-metre garden promenade designed by award-winning landscape artist Patrick Watson. Read about 5 Joburg gardens that Watson has had a hand in here.
Developer Timothy Sammons of Cadastral Capital and Matthew Millar of MILarchi Architects head the teams behind the Nine Yards vision. “South Africa has always been about borders – the first thing we did here was break them down,” Sammons told us when we first toured the property in October 2025. He describes it as “a positive space for Johannesburg – and a showcase for its best-in-class operators”.
For Millar, the ethos is “architecture without an agenda”. Nine Yards could easily have become just another strip mall among countless others in Joburg. Instead, it reimagines what an urban precinct can be: one that blends commercial vibrancy with public generosity and heritage with innovation. “It’s a dream project,” says Millar.
The vision for Nine Yards is a dynamic public space anchored by a central piazza, designed to host regular programming and seasonal markets. Its greenery and playful layout cultivate a sense of wonder, with plenty of tucked-away nooks perfect for lingering over a book or simply soaking up the calm. Here, you can move freely between properties, drift down the promenade, stumble into a gallery or tailor’s studio, and double back for a gelato without retracing your steps.
It is this combination of genuine heritage, considered design and a sense that the space still has room to breathe that makes Nine Yards feel less like a development and more like somewhere that has been here for a while.
The rhythm of Nine Yards
Whether you drop in for a coffee mid-week or spend a full Saturday afternoon working through the shops, restaurants and studios, Nine Yards rewards both modes. On weekdays, the precinct has a calm, almost residential quality – locals picking up groceries, designers meeting clients, the smell of fresh bread from Ti Amo drifting through the garden. On weekends, it shifts gear entirely: expect Platō queues out the door by 09:00, athleisure-clad crowds and a buzzy, market-day energy that makes the whole space feel alive.
How to get there
Nine Yards sits on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Chester Road in Parktown North, between Rosebank and the leafy Parks suburbs. It unfolds outward from The GardenShop – formerly the Keith Kirsten nursery, and long one of Joburg’s best-known garden destinations. You can enter via Jan Smuts, Chester Road, or 1st Avenue East depending on your direction of travel. There’s free parking on site, though weekends can get busy.
Here's what you'll find at *Nine Yards, Parktown North:
*Published May 2026.
1. Fashion
ARTCLUB AND FRIENDS
Artclub and Friends was founded in 2016 on the guiding principle of "by artists, for artists" and works solely with small, independent South African manufacturers to create high-quality unisex garments. It’s a great stop for those looking for something different from the fast-fashion convention. We especially love the accessories corner.
GOAT OF BESPOKE
Located above Artclub and Friends, Goat of Bespoke has been tailoring and handcrafting formal apparel for 12 years, but now finally has a permanent home in Nine Yards. They specialise in custom suits, shirts, trousers and waistcoats – from fabric selection to precise fittings and personalised detailing, nothing here is off the rack.
& BY ANDTICKS
& by Andticks, the passion project of Vicky Ross, sets the tone for play. From clothing and accessories to homeware and ceramics, &’s considered selected treasures are a feast for the eyes and the soul. The Wanda Lephoto pieces always catch our eye, and we can never leave without sampling the scents from Apartment.
Further reading: #MyJoburg with Vicky Ross, cultural entrepreneur.
WANDERLUST
Wanderlust Collectables is a family-run business inspired by travel and global artistry. With one-of-a-kind textiles, throws, rugs and clothing, Wanderlust offers a thoughtfully chosen range of artisan products from around the world, celebrating diverse craftsmanship that tells a story.
VERUS FINE JEWELLERY
Everything from gold to stones is sourced locally for the custom and bespoke jewellery at Verus. They handmake all their pieces, but they also refurbish and clean old jewellery, embodying their flagship of "understated, authentic and ethically conscious design".
2. Art and design
KUMALO | TURPIN
Led by Zanele Kumalo and MJ Turpin, part of the dynamic team behind Joburg's acclaimed Kalashnikovv Gallery, kumalo | turpin champion artists from the Global South whose work challenges dominant narratives and reflects the concerns of the society around them.
ACQUATURE LIVING ART
Acquature is a living art gallery, bringing nature’s beauty into interior spaces through aquascaping, terrariums and paludariums. They also offer workshops where participants can make their very own living art, with a range of materials inspired by different natural environments.
SOMETHING GOOD STUDIO
Something Good Studio is the home of two sister-brands – Something Good Homeware and Romaria Knitwear – creating a harmonious tapestry of art and culture with their philosophy of "weaving forward together". The studio’s pieces are made on a small scale with natural fibres, so every piece is high quality and unique.
HOUTLANDER
If you’re looking for sustainably sourced, exceptionally crafted wooden furniture, Houtlander is the place. With furniture made from American oak, Houtlander is a pioneer in blending contemporary design and pieces that last lifetimes, and traditional methods with modern technology.
PAUL KURT
At Paul Kurt, furniture happens in four parts: first you choose a base piece that speaks to you. Secondly you choose the fabric or leather from their wide selection of South African upholsteries. Then you decide on your finish or stain – for steel you can go powder coated, electroplated or chromed, and for wood there’s a range of different stains. Lastly, as Melanie Lassen, furniture-maker of over 40 years says, “you wait” – for your customised piece of furniture to arrive at your door.
3. Food and drink
NUNU'S
Nunu’s The Artist is a restaurant and creative space that’s all about bold expression and bright colours. Located aptly in the beautiful Nine Yards garden, Nunu’s is an art café well suited for a family day – or just to get your creativity flowing.
GARDENFRESH
GardenFresh, next to longstanding The Garden Shop, is a magical emporium of colourful fruits and vegetables and unusual flowers battling it out for your attention. If you’re looking for uncommon produce, this bright and airy green grocer is largely locally sourced by small-scale farmers. Their gift shop, Something Special, is a haven for foodies – and they also have beautiful handcrafted beadery.
Further reading: Meet the founders of GardenFresh.
SEA & STREAM
To round out the heavyweight combo of nursery, green grocer and fishmonger, Sea & Stream features fresh and sustainably sourced fish for all occasions. Conveniently located next to GardenFresh, this duo ensures that all your grocery needs are met – and sustainably.
THE MEAT BOUTIQUE
As part of The Lokal, The Meat Boutique is exactly that – an artisanal, tailored selection of upper-crust meats, from cured sausages to Angus steak. And, of course, boutique biltong.
PLATO COFFEE
With over 130 shops in South Africa, Platō Coffee is a household name in quality coffee. “Our mission is simple – to serve exceptional coffee in places that feel like home,” say founders Stephan and Petrus Bredell. From rich espresso extractions to smooth pour-overs and seasonal specials, Platō is a go-to coffee destination for those seeking a consistently good cup. They make an excellent matcha too.
TI AMO BAKERY
Ti Amo is an Italian-style deli that pulls out all the stops: with freshly-baked sourdoughs and paninis, pastas, cheeses, sauces and pre-made meals made with traditional ingredients and techniques, diners and shoppers alike can bring a taste of Italy to their everyday life.
GELATO MANIA
With roots dating back to 2006, family-run Gelato Mania has carved out its name as a beloved artisanal gelateria with their signature gelato, Belgian waffles and seasonal desserts. Made fresh daily with no added preservatives, gelatine or artificial fats, they make sure to stay true to the authentic gelateria tradition. They offer a whole range of gelato varieties including sorbets and vegan and low-fat options as alternatives to their classic creamy scoops.
DOPPIO BISTROT
Under the Doppio Zero umbrella, Doppio Bistrot offers a stylish dining experience in their gorgeous restaurant, fit for brunch, date night and everything in between. We tried the steak and chips and a calamari small plate – both delivered. There's plenty indoor seating, but the real treat is the outdoor area that looks over the pond.
ZUNEY
Voted as Best Burger Joint in 2024, Cape Town-born Zuney is a farm-to-table Wagyu bar that celebrates farm flavours with the finest of ingredients. They’re involved every step of the way, from the origins of the Wagyu at Zuney Valley Farm to your table. For Zuney, environmental responsibility and supporting the local community is vital – and you can taste it.
SALVATION CAFE
Home of Joburg's best cheesecake – as voted in 2023 – this 44 Stanley favourite has opened a second home at Nine Yards. Breakfast is the real draw: a choice of "healthy", "sweet" and "savoury" menus plus breakfast burritos makes that morning meal genuinely memorable. Lunch brings a solid selection of salads, sandwiches and wraps. The kids' menu, meanwhile, is the kind that makes adults envious.
4. Lifestyle
BODYTEC
For fitness fanatics, Nine Yards offers Bodytec, a fitness studio that specialises in whole-body electro-muscle stimulation. Designed with a busy lifestyle in mind, Bodytec offers short-session, simultaneous exercise sessions for individuals of all fitness levels.
TRUE LOVE TATTOO
True Love Tattoo boasts an impressive repertoire of artistic styles, with a reputation to accompany it. True Love is a well-established body art spot, where the experienced tattoo artists work closely with clients to create tattoos from intricate line work to classic traditional pieces.
THE WELL
The Well is a health and wellness studio focusing on skincare, aesthetic treatment and holistic self-care. The Well offers advanced skincare and body treatments, massages, wellness therapies and yoga sessions. The ethos here is that beauty begins from within.
Plan your visit to Nine Yards
Nine Yards is open from 07:00 – 18:00 daily (times may vary per store) and can be found on the corner of Chester Road and Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North. Free parking is available on-site.Visit @nineyardsjhb on Instagram for regular updates.
Comments