City of Johannesburg launches inner-city renewal plan to tackle decaying CBD buildings

The City of Johannesburg has officially adopted a new revitalisation plan aimed at reclaiming and restoring derelict buildings across the inner city.

Approved by the mayoral committee in late March, the plan outlines a coordinated approach to rehabilitate or repurpose several buildings that have long stood vacant or in disrepair.

Plan includes rehabilitation, investment, and potential building sales

The city’s initiative focuses on repairing buildings declared uninhabitable by the courts, many of which have already had their occupants relocated to temporary housing. Once rehabilitated, these properties will be made available for rental to stimulate economic activity and attract private investment.

Some buildings may also be sold to private investors as part of a broader effort to unlock the value of neglected assets within Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD).

MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi, described the plan as a “grand partnership” between the city, investors, and property owners, emphasising the importance of collaboration.

“Johannesburg’s inner city holds immense potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years,” Mnisi said.

“Through the Johannesburg Property Company, the city is committed to working with investors and property owners — not against them — to unlock value and drive economic and social development.”

Key properties undergoing renewal

Several buildings are already undergoing or nearing the start of their transformation, including:

• A former Memorable Order of Tin Hats building near Loveday and Sophie de Bruyn streets, cleared in December

• Vannin Court in Hillbrow, cleared in January

• Wimbledon Court on Wolmarans Street

• A former subsidised old age home at 37 Soper Road, Berea

• Remington Court in Hillbrow, now being converted into student accommodation

• 45 Edith Cavell Street

• 65 King George Street

Mnisi concluded that urban renewal in Johannesburg must be a shared responsibility: “Through collaboration, we can restore Johannesburg’s inner city to its former glory.”

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: City Of Joburg