Considered as one of the fastest-growing cities in Gauteng, Centurion is ideally located alongside Midrand, between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Once an independent municipality with its own town council, the area was known as Lyttelton and then Verwoerdburg.
Over the years Centurion has become a popular residential area with top-notch amenities and convenient public transport. The city attracts professionals from industries such as finance and consulting.
A brief history of the area
While fossils that were discovered at the Sterkfontein Caves show that hominids once lived in the vicinity of Centurion between 2 and 3 million years ago, the earliest evidence of modern human habitation in Centurion dates back to 1200 AD when black African communities settled in this area. These inhabitants cultivated lands, grazed their cattle, made earthenware containers and melted iron.
After the Boer Wars, the town of Irene was established in 1902. Centurion developed from the initial Lyttelton Township in 1904. Lyttelton Manor Extension 1 was established in 1942. These two townships initially resorted under the Peri-Urban Board in Pretoria.
It was in 1962 when Centurion was granted City Council, which was formed by combining the areas of Doornkloof, Irene and Lyttelton.
In 2000, the Centurion local government became part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which also includes Pretoria.
Climate
Centurion experiences dry, sunny winters with a maximum daytime temperature of around 20°C dropping to an average minimum of 5°C, while summers (October - April) are warm to hotter tempered by late-afternoon showers. Summer temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s. The Hennops River flows through the heart of Centurion and causes occasional flooding when heavy rainfall has occurred.
Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)
With an average driving speed of 80km/h, O.R Tambo International Airport is 59km away from Centurion with a travel time of 41 minutes.
Schools in the area
Laerskool Bakenkop, Laerskool Doringkloof, Laerskool Hennopspark, Laerskool Fleur, Irene Primary School, Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, Sutherland High School, Lyttelton Manor High School, Hoërskool Uitsig, and Southdowns College are some of the renowned schooling facilities available in Centurion.
Hospitals nearby
Great medical facilities available to residents in Centurion consist of Netcare Unitas Hospital, Mediclinic Midstream, Centurion Day Hospital (Pty)Ltd, Centurion Eye Hospital, and Vista Clinic.
Shopping Malls
The Centurion Mall was established in 1983/1984 and is the second largest shopping centre in the Tshwane metropolitan area. It was constructed around the Centurion Lake (on the Hennops River). The mall has a fine array of retail stores as well as trendy restaurants. A recent revamp has ensured that more stores and parking spaces were able to cater to shoppers' demands. Reds Shopping Centre, Centurion Lifestyle, Irene Village Mall, Forest Hill City, and Jean Crossing are other top shopping spots for residents.
Restaurants
Fishmonger Centurion, Prue Leith Chefs Academy & Restaurant, Turn 'n Tender Centurion, Ga Rouge Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Crawdaddy's & PUB CO, and Zagora Grill Room and Wine Cellar are some of the fine dining spots enjoyed by locals in Centurion.
Special Attractions
The Waterkloof Air Force Base, and the Swartkop Air Force Base, and the South African Air Force Museum are located in Centurion. Other nearby attractions include the Voortrekker Monument, Lion and Safari Park, Lesedi Cultural Village, as well as the haunted Erasmus Castle. The Sterkfontein Caves are also worth the visit - less than 50 km from Centurion.
Keen on Centurion?
Centurion is a remarkable area to grow your family in or invest in lucrative property. If you are keen on making Centurion your home contact one of our friendly agents at RealNet Properties.
