On 1 August 2024, the University of Pretoria (UP) celebrated a significant milestone in its battle against restricted campus parking by unveiling a secure parking facility. Hatfield campus, traditionally plagued by parking scarcity, now has a state-of-the-art parking lot that promises to alleviate the persistent congestion that has long frustrated students. The new bays enhance security and mark a significant leap forward in transforming the daily commuting experience for the UP community. This development signals a fresh chapter in UP’s ongoing commitment to improving campus life and addressing one of its most pressing challenges.
The parking bays are within the basement of UP’s Javett Art Centre and boast approximately 160 well-designed parking bays, offering a much-needed solution to campus congestion. This modern facility is open to staff, students, and visitors alike, enhancing accessibility for all. Modelled similarly to the efficient Engineering 3 Parkade, this new parkade features a user-friendly ticket and payment machine system that accommodates cash and card transactions. With parking rates aligned with the Engineering lot’s affordable pricing, this addition promises a convenient and cost-effective option for everyone on campus. The parkade is open Mondays to Fridays, with the exception of weekends and public holidays, from 06:00-18:00.
To gain more insight into this new development, the PDBY news team spoke to Professor Susan Adendorff, director of facilities management. Adendorff states that the basement parking was meant to be part of the Javett design from the outset. However, the parking was initially earmarked for staff only but was underutilised. Facilities management then decided to convert the basement parking into public parking to alleviate some of the challenges faced by students needing parking.
To facilitate this public parking, management was required to install new equipment to allow for connectivity, which was only recently completed. Facilities management witnessed students queuing from the early hours of the morning to access parking in and around the Hatfield campus, so they knew there was a need for more such parking.
The Javett basement parking allows students to access the Hatfield and South campuses via a turnstile. Access to the South Campus is direct, whereas access to Hatfield is via the bridge over Lynnwood Road, allowing students to cross Lynnwood Road safely.
Introducing the new secure parking facility at the Javett-UP Art Centre marks a pivotal enhancement in addressing campus parking challenges at UP. By converting the underutilised basement space into a public parking area, UP has not only expanded accessibility, but also demonstrated a keen responsiveness to the needs of its student community. With its modern amenities and affordable rates, the new parkade promises to streamline the daily commute for staff, students, and visitors. As this development continues to make a positive impact, it underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to improving campus life and easing the limited parking availability that has long been a hurdle for the UP community.
