Joburg launches inner city buildings revitalisation plan

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has unveiled a revitalisation plan for transforming derelict and unsafe inner-city buildings.

According the CoJ, the plan aims to turn those buildings into “secure, functional spaces for businesses and families”.

“As part of this initiative, the City will rehabilitate buildings that have been declared uninhabitable by the courts, with the objective of leasing them to stimulate urban renewal, attract investment, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.

“The revitalisation strategy…is spearheaded by the Strategic Projects Unit. It represents a coordinated, long-term approach to reclaiming the inner city, backed by cross-departmental collaboration, clear governance, and active private sector engagement,” the CoJ said.

Buildings that have been identified for the project include:

• M.O.T.H Building – Declared unsafe; the City has been instructed to relocate occupants to temporary emergency accommodation.
• Vannin Building – Declared unsafe; evacuation and relocation in progress.
• CASA MIA – Declared unfit for habitation; occupants to be relocated.
• Delvers Building – Declared unsafe; scheduled for demolition on 20 September 2024; occupants have been evacuated.
• Remington Building – Successfully redeveloped following a court-ordered evacuation on 15 September 2023.
• Wimbledon Building (Wolmarans Street) – Declared unsafe; relocation underway.
• Big Busty Building (45 Edith Cavell Street) & Florence House (65 King George Street) – Court orders served; relocation in progress.

“To support affected residents, temporary accommodation has been secured at locations including Fleurhof, South Hills, 106 Claim Street, and Regents House, with over 600 housing units ready or nearing completion,” the CoJ said.

Working together

The City is also identifying property it owns to sell to private investors while also exploring private-public partnerships.

MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi, called on property owners to work with the city.

“Johannesburg’s inner city holds immense potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years. As property owners, you are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising, and reimagining our city.

“Through the Joburg 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,” Mnisi said.

She highlighted that the city is seized with reclaiming highjacked buildings.

“As a City, we are actively identifying and reclaiming hijacked buildings, but we also acknowledge the critical role of the private sector. Urban renewal is a shared responsibility, and through collaboration, we can restore Johannesburg’s inner city to its former glory,” Mnisi concluded.