Fedsure House is the newest property refurbishment project undertaken by Samuel Beyin, the CEO of Focus1 student accommodation, a long-standing TUHF client.
Located at 13 Plein Street in Johanneburg’s CBD, the development is state-of-the-art, proving how quality and affordable student accommodation can offer more than just a place to live.
Fedsure House provides students with a safe, decent living environment alongside access to all amenities and social support necessary for their success.
TUHF first collaborated with Samuel Beyin during the transformation of the hijacked Cape York building into Focus 1. “Focus1 is a manifestation of TUHF’s belief that by supporting extraordinary entrepreneurs we can catalyse inclusive growth and urban regeneration,” says CEO of TUHF, Paul Jackson. “Fedsure House marks Samuel’s second TUHF-funded project and we are very pleased the quality project he has delivered.”
Student housing is not about making money out of students, says Beyin. “It is about affordability and hospitality to make sure that students – who often come from impoverished families and rural areas – have the support they need to do well.”
“At Focus1 student accommodation, we believe that by giving more amenities to the students inside our facilities, we will make a difference in adding value to our students’ lives, performance, and achievement at school,” he adds. “We also believe in creating an environment whereby students will be able to socialise by providing interactive facilities such as a gym, entertainment area, a library full of comprehensive books, and a computer lab.”
Fedsure House also offers essential amenities such as convenient access to a reliable bus network for transportation to various campuses, a 24/7 boiling water system, inhouse management, maintenance and cleaners, and biometric access for enhanced security uncapped Wi-Fi, a laundry room and a back-up generator.
This project stands out not only for its high-quality construction and affordable rentals but also for Beyin’s decision to invest in Johannesburg’s inner-city, reflecting his foresight and dedication.
Drawing on his experience with the Cape York building, Beyin ensured that Fedsure House goes beyond basic shelter to create an environment where students can thrive, form lasting friendships, and succeed academically. Social inclusion is a critical factor for mental health and well-being, especially for young people moving far from their families and friends to the city to access academic and other personal development opportunities.
“We do movie nights, pottery classes, talent shows … A variety of events to help students meet each other, build friendships and a community,” says Beyin. “We learnt from COVID-19 that when people don’t socialise, their mental well-being suffers, and we want to make sure that students living at our facilities have opportunities to integrate and build lasting friendships.”
Beyin approached TUHF in June 2023 to finance the conversion of Fedsure House from an office building to a large student accommodation facility. This project, like the earlier Cape York building, was funded by TUHF and now provides a high-quality living environment for over 1 000 students.
Moreover, Fedsure House includes paraplegic rooms designed to foster an inclusive environment and equal access to opportunities for all. Beyin’s meticulous, passionate, and dedicated approach is evident in every aspect of the project, from procuring construction professionals to overseeing the building process.
The conversion of office buildings into affordable residential accommodation is a viable solution for urban densification through affordable housing developed near economic hubs. TUHF has been at the forefront of such developments for the past 21-years, consistently funding quality affordable housing in areas considered to be in decline, but with potential for inclusive economic growth and return on investment for property entrepreneurs. Projects like Fedsure House are a testament to TUHF’s unwavering commitment to urban regeneration and affordable housing.
Fedsure House not only represents a significant step forward for student accommodation in Johannesburg but also embodies the city’s potential for inclusive economic growth and urban renewal.
