What are integration zones?

An integration zone is a network of targeted spaces within the metropolitan urban network linking opportunity and need consisting of a mass transit spine and a number of targeted “anchor” – a CBD and an Urban Hub – and “intermediate” nodes on this spine, as well as transport feeder linkages to secondary township nodes, marginalised residential areas and economic nodes (commercial and industrial nodes.

Each zone is a part of a city or city region-wide TOD network. An integration zone is a spatial planning element facilitating spatial targeting of investment aimed at spatial transformation. Each zone consists of a transit spine connecting two anchors via mass public transport (rail/bus), e.g. the CBD and an “urban hub” (township node with the best investment potential). It can also comprise of the CBD and another primary metropolitan business node. Between the two Integration Zone anchors are a limited number of Integration Zone intermediate nodes that are strategically located at key intersections connecting to marginalised residential areas (townships and informal settlements) and economic nodes (commercial and industrial nodes) via feeder routes. The Urban Hub connects to secondary townships nodes within the marginalised peripheral township. The Integration Zone includes a hierarchy of TOD precincts located and prioritised within the structure of nodes described above.