The City of Tshwane Council has adopted the final Hatfield Metropolitan Node Precinct Plan, which is expected to support improvements in parking, pedestrian safety, and student accommodation in the University of Pretoria area.
The plan was approved on 30 July 2026 after a public participation process held in February and March this year. The City received 80 written submissions during the process, resulting in changes to the draft plan.
One of the key changes was the removal of a proposed entertainment zone along Lynnwood Road following objections from residents and the University of Pretoria.
“Following the objections received from the public and University of Pretoria to a proposed new entertainment zone along Lynnwood Road, this entertainment zone has been removed from the final precinct plan,” said Cllr Sarah Mabotsa, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning.
She said the City’s aim was to “enhance the student economy and support tertiary institutions to deliver the best for their students, our city and our country”.
The final plan proposes an integrated public transport system, a network of public open spaces, additional parking to ease student demand, and improved pedestrian safety at Jan Shoba Street and Lynnwood Road.
It also seeks to position Hatfield as a safe, vibrant and liveable student hub for retail, recreation and transport.
The plan has received support from several City departments, including the Tshwane Metro Police Department, Emergency Services, Roads and Transport, Energy and Electricity, and Human Settlements.
Students welcomed parts of the plan but urged the City to ensure implementation.
Thabo Mokoena, a 21-year-old BCom student, said parking remained a major challenge in Hatfield.
“If they deliver on safer crossings, that would be huge. We’ve lost friends to accidents there,” he said.
Lerato Dlamini, a 19-year-old engineering student, supported the removal of the entertainment zone.
“We need more housing and safety, not more bars,” she said.
Hatfield has grown rapidly since 1996, with infrastructure such as the Gautrain, BRT and PRASA rail contributing to a significant increase in the area’s population.
