Centurion, Gauteng

Centurion is an area with 236,580 inhabitants situated between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The area’s proximity to Midrand and Pretoria makes it a popular suburban area which continues to grow, owing to the relocation of businesses, which has resulted in the City limits expanding. Its location makes it the perfect Residential District for business-oriented people and families.
The daily commute is significantly trouble-free for residents because of the easily accessible major roadways linking through to Johannesburg, Midrand, Krugersdorp, Pretoria and O.R. Tambo International Airport. The Gautrain railway transport system runs through the centre and offers a convenient travel alternative to its residents.
Centurion is probably best known for its Mall - one of the largest shopping centres in South Africa with over 200 stores and restaurants!
Centurion is dotted with Estates which have become the latest in lifestyle living! "These gated Villages have attracted a cosmopolitan community and Centurion functions as something of a mini City of its own - one that will eventually close the now almost nonexistent gap between Johannesburg and Pretoria."
Centurion extends roughly from- Midrand in the South to Valhalla in the North and all the way from the Hennops River in the West to the R21 (the route to the airport) in the east. The Hennops River, one of Gauteng's largest Rivers and originates near Kempton Park, East of Johannesburg, and flows into the Crocodile River before Hartbeespoort Dam, unfortunately, it's also one of the Province's most polluted rivers!

The main advantage to staying in Centurion is the ease of access to major roadways linking it to- Johannesburg, Midrand, Krugersdorp, Pretoria and Oliver Tambo International airport. There's also now a convention and entertainment centre hosts some 2000 delegates in congresses, exhibitions and special events with 20 breakaway rooms and two hotels - positioning Centurion as a hub of tourist activity and an ideal business person's location.

The Suburb of Lyttelton was one of the original Suburbs that made up the old Verwoerdburg. Lyttelton was granted City Council status in 1962, and was comprised of the Suburbs of: 'Doornkloof, Irene and Lyttelton'. The initial Lyttelton Township was marked out on the Farm: 'Droogegrond', in 1904 and Lyttelton Manor was established in 1942. Lyttelton was renamed Verwoerdburg in 1967 after the architect of apartheid, Hendrik Verwoerd. In 1995, Verwoerdburg was renamed Centurion. Due to the fact that Lyttelton was one of the original Suburbs of Centurion, it boasts large stands with established gardens and plenty of trees. 
This is a popular middle class Suburb and is centrally situated to the Centurion Mall (3km) and many of the newer Malls such as: 'Southdown’s Mall and Irene Village Mall'. Due to its central location, Lyttelton is a popular area to live in with its well maintained and developed environment. The type of properties varies and includes houses, townhouses, duets, apartments, vacant land, clusters, guesthouses, security estates and new developments. The freehold stands range in size from 420 sm to 3,600 sm. The price of houses range from R950,000 to R6,000,000 (average R1,300,000 in 2012) and the price of townhouses from R390,000 to R2,500,000 (average R704,000 in 2010). The cost of vacant land varies from R390, 000 to R1,400,000 (average R704, 000 in 2012). The suburb is extremely stable in that 76% of the residents have lived in their current house for more than 5 years. The Suburb comprises 2,344 houses and 584 sectional title townhouses.

The Suburb is bordered by the Groenkloof Nature Reserve to the North, Clifton Avenue to the West, Smuts Avenue to the East (Waterkloof Airforce Base) and Limpopo Avenue to the South (Doringkloof). The arterial Roads provide easy access to the Highways leading to Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, Midrand, Pretoria, OR Tambo International Airport as well as Lanseria Airport.

The suburb has a number of schools including: 'Centurion High, Lyttelton Manor High, Fleur Primary, Louis Leipolt Primary, Lyttelton Primary as well as the Tshwane South College.' The Suburb also has a Post Office situated in Cradock Avenue which services the area.

Medical Centres are close by including the Unitas Hospital in Cantonments Road, Vista Clinic in Gerhardt Street, Centurion Eye Hospital in Clifton Avenue, Cradock medical Centre in Cradock Avenue as well as the Provincial Clinic in Rabie Street.

Being an older established suburb, the area is blessed with no more than nine parks and open areas for young and old alike to utilize for playing, jogging or walking. Virtually all types of sports clubs are found in the area including karate, dance, tennis, bowls, athletics, shooting, baseball, rugby, jukskei (Jukskei is a 282-year-old folk Afrikaans- sport, developed and played in South Africa), netball and gymnastics.

Three veterinary clinics are available to care for ones pets, and the area has two libraries situated in College Road and Cantonments Road. For those who enjoy gardening the Suburb also has three garden nurseries which cater for all ones gardening requirements. For working mothers who need to keep their young kids safe, the Suburb has thirteen Nursery Schools.

Lyttelton has no shortage of Churches, including: 'Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, AGS, Baptist, Anglican, Apostolic and many more. As regards Guest Houses, the Suburb has no fewer than eight!

Centurion Mall first opened its doors in April 1984 with 100 shops including a OK Bazaars. It was constructed around the Centurion Lake, which is on the Hennops River and was the only shopping centre with anchor tenants at that time until the early 2000s. The mall was originally known as Verwoerdburgstad. 
One of the highlights of the Mall was the introduction of the water organ that was imported from America, which was known as the “Waltzing Waters”. (as seen in the image)
It then underwent major developments in 2003, making it the second largest shopping centre in the Tshwane metropolitan area.
In 2003 the mall was further developed and was launched in April 2004 with an additional 28 712 m² in retail space and 1,300 additional secured parking bays. Woolworths was relocated and the following major stores were added: 'Game, Fruit And Veg And Toys R Us.'
The spine, mezzanine level and the bayside was also revamped. The new look and feel proved to be very successful and added tremendous value to Centurion Mall. In June 2006 a final deal to purchase the East and West parking areas was concluded with the City Council. Construction commenced on the west parking as well as 4 new restaurants in August 2006. In October 2006 construction commenced on the east parking and 3 parking decks were introduced. The parking project including the East and West parkades were completed in December 2007.
In 2009 the mall was refurbished and introduced two more cinemas as well as revamped the Edgars and Dis-Chem stores. In 2011, another development took place with four additional entrances. Pick ‘n Pay also revamped the store near a new entrance. Woolworths upgraded and extended their GLA by approx. 1.800m² in 2012. In 2015, Centurion Mall was acquired by Redefine Properties and is the largest retail asset in the retail property’s portfolio, with floor space of over 133 000m² (which is as big as 18 rugby fields). In 2017, a major mall refurbishment commenced with new national and international tenants; as well as major refurbishments to existing stores. The Mall was relaunched in November 2019 to be established as the shopping centre destination in the heart of Centurion!