Pretoria: The city has unveiled a revitalisation plan for transforming derelict and unsafe inner-city buildings.
According to South African Government News Agency, 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.
Buildings that have been identified for the project include the M.O.T.H Building, which has been declared unsafe, and the City has been instructed to relocate occupants to temporary emergency accommodation. The Vannin Building has also been declared unsafe, with evacuation and relocation in progress. CASA MIA has been declared unfit for habitation, and its occupants are to be relocated. The Delvers Building is scheduled for demolition on 20 September 2024, and its occupants have been evacuated. The Remington Building has been successfully redeveloped following a court-ordered evacuation on 15 September 2023. The Wimbledon Building on Wolmarans Street has been declared unsafe, and relocation is underway. The Big Busty Building on 45 Edith Cavell Street and Florence House on 65 King George Street have had court orders served, with 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 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 potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years. As property owners, they are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising, and reimagining the city. Through the Joburg Property Company, the City is committed to working with investors and property owners to unlock value and drive economic and social development.
Mnisi highlighted that the city is focused on reclaiming hijacked buildings. As a City, they are actively identifying and reclaiming these buildings, but they also acknowledge the critical role of the private sector. Urban renewal is a shared responsibility, and through collaboration, they aim to restore Johannesburg’s inner city to its former state.