Neil Fraser
9 August 2002
I have been meaning for some time to do an update on what's happening project-wise in the city. I have split it in two, this week is the first half which deals with some of the predominantly public sector initiatives which are the responsibility of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). Next week will be an update of the predominantly private sector projects.
Constitution Hill
Goal: The goal of this project is, over the period mid 2001 to mid 2005, to bring this major national and international heritage site into viable, sustainable economic use, to create employment, increase the rates base and promote economic growth through the development of visitor attractions.
The project is situated on the border between Braamfontein and Hillbrow, north of the Fort, and will create a constitutional and human rights precinct. It is also the zenith of the "Cultural Arc" and will become a major tourist focus.
The value of the current work being undertaken is around R350 million. Exciting to see the concrete frame for the Constitutional Court itself literally springing out of the ground! You'll be able to visit the Fort during the World Summit and see the Court construction from the top of the Fort's northern rampart.
You can also visit an exhibition of the 20 original artworks selected for JHB ART CITY in the Fort and see one of the giant enlargements in the Fort grounds.
The project is evidently proceeding according to schedule and the expected completion date is September 2003.
Newtown
Goal: The goal of the project is to increase the cultural offerings, creative production, development and investment in Newtown in a coordinated and complementary manner, focusing on developing a range of mixed-uses and activities with an emphasis on the creative industries.
These are some of the projects that fall within Newtown:
2.1 Nelson Mandela Bridge. Have driven past the site a couple of times and the structure is racing ahead. The bridge is being built simultaneously from north and south and you can almost watch the gap closing as the bridge arches over the railway yards. The first of the suspension masts has been erected and everything appears to be on target for completion for April 2003.
2.2 The on and off ramps from the M2 elevated highway are nearing completion, they will be in operation before the end of this year. The ramps will give access to and from the south whilst the bridge will give access to and from the north forming an important link in the 'Cultural Arc'.
2.3 The R100 million MetroMall is rapidly nearing its completion date of the end of this month and is already making an impressive statement at what is the eastern junction between Newtown and the CBD. It will relieve a great deal of urban stress in the area as it starts to soak up informal traders, taxis and buses.
All the formal retail has been let. The project first appeared as a proposal for a major retail development and transport facility way back in the early 1990s - maybe even in the late 1980s - so it is great to see it in its more practical final shape about to become a major contributor to the city's normalisation.
2.4 Creative industries clustering - Turbine Hall, a blot on the 'Newtownscape' for as long as I can remember, is starting to look good with its new roof and replaced window panes and has attracted interest for various uses after the World Summit. Currently three of its elevations are being prepared to receive the massive artworks of JHB ART CITY.
The Electric Workshop has also been receiving attention and about 24 small business facilities associated with it have been upgraded. The Bus Factory is complete - have a look at their super wrought iron fence which is an artwork in itself. The Music Centre has opened and further music, dance and film facilities are being planned. Two new restaurants have been opened.
2.5 CCTV is being rolled out in the area and CID security is being beefed up as Newtown prepares to host a wide variety of events before, during and after the World Summit such as the SA Women's Festival; Arts Alive; Joy of Jazz; SA Fashion Week; Music in Public Spaces; Craft and Pottery Exhibition, Food Courts and Flea Markets, etc.
Faraday
Goal: To develop a multimodal Transportation node and associated trading spaces that can contribute to improve the transport facilities in the inner city, stimulate economic development and contribute to the environmental upgrading of the precinct.
The project is in a gritty but fascinating area on the south of the inner city both under and immediately north of the elevated freeway. It envisages incorporating the huge informal Muti market and associated traditional healing industry, taxis, retail, etc.
The earthworks for the new road and taxi rank have commenced and the temporary taxi rank is now operational. Phase one buildings are nearing completion and the consolidation and relocation of the Muti market is proceeding.
Tour guide training has commenced with an eye on the Summit. The inclusion of some private sector initiatives that could be really exciting are also under discussion.
Fashion District
Goal: The goal of the inner city Fashion District Project is the creation of a viable, functional and sustainable Fashion District.
I think that this project in the vibey, incredibly energetic but also gritty eastern sector of the inner city is so exciting with huge potential for further SMMS development and tourism. Most of the base research has been completed and professional teams to generate a precinct plan are being sought.
Funding is still needed to develop programmes that will encourage social interaction and recreation as well as for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence. A training and mentoring programme is already underway.
The second Fashion Show held in June in Rees Mann's Johannesburg Sewing Centre was a great success with three designers being invited to participate in SA Fashion Week.
Drill Hall
Following the fire which destroyed much of the historic building, the JDA is currently investigating various re-development options including the development of the site into a major heritage site.
As part of these investigations, a conservation plan including financial feasibilities and a programme are being developed for submission to Council later this month.
Doornfontein
Goal: To establish an international business services hub in the Doornfontein area in line with the city's 2030 vision; promote economic development; stabilise the area; and strengthen and promote it as a major opportunity for support ICT infrastructure in the sub-continent.
New Doornfontein is emerging as the optimal location in terms of telecommunications infrastructure for heavy bandwidth intensive initiatives. Preliminary or pre-appraisal investigations have been completed and a detailed feasibility will be initiated shortly.
So it continues to happen in the Inner City!
