As Johannesburg's Inner City renewal is gaining momentum, I think a thread dedicated to the that will be appropriate. In here we will have to post the refurbished buildings with an exception of big project like Ponte. We shall focus on mid and small scale buildings, parks and all other inner city renewal projects.

This is one of the buildings in Hillbrow that the GPP rehabilitated to accomodate low cost earners.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040845.jpg

I also think that it will be best if we show the currently delapidated buildings and keep progress on them in relation to their renewal.

good idea, will try to contribute some time... bit snowed under at the office currently.

The Jewel city renewal. A couple of buildings here are under renovations. I have managed to take the following shots, will get more in future. To those who don't know that part of the city, its is located around main street between Ghandi Square and Jeppe. By the way Jeppe is also redone.


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050340.jpg


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050344.jpg


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050345.jpg


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050350.jpg


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050342.jpg


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050352.jpg

thanks for the images and the thread..its fantastic that we will get to see the progress

There are plenty of highlights in new residential developments – but lack of progress in some areas count as lowlights for the year.


November 5, 2007
By Neil Fraser

I WANTED to do a review of residential this week but I see that I covered the subject quite fully just some months back. So let me just provide some residential high and lowlights and then link future residential to last week's topic – transportation.

Thanks, by the way, for the many comments received in reply to last week's Citichat, both supportive and critical. We need more debate!

Firstly, then, residential highlights. The rejuvenation of the Jeppe, Bree, Plein Streets' middle income strip; the move eastward towards End Street/Doornfontein; the strong recovery of Braamfontein, both in regard to student accommodation and quality middle-income, and the higher-income developments at the western end of Marshall and Anderson Streets. Public environment upgrading in Hillbrow and Berea should be starting early next year, although a great deal of building upgrading appears to be happening already, with a great deal more needed. (I believe that the Ponte re-development is sold out, which should act as a strong catalyst for the area. To think that ten years ago, the previous owners were applying for rezoning to a jail!)

Lowlights are the lack of progress in residential development on City-owned land in Newtown and Constitution Hill and a bunch of middle- to higher-income private sector central city developments around Commissioner and Diagonal Streets that just never seem to progress. There has been no progress this year at all with the Better Buildings Programme, which I hear is about to undergo a dramatic change that one can only hope is really going to be for "the better"! But why the interminable delays?

If one then looks forward, there is the continuing huge need for solutions to be found for integrated residential development across economic and racial barriers and a solution to the continuing problem of so many people living in sub-standard accommodation. Said Richard Daley, Mayor of Chicago: ".......We require that 20 percent of units be affordable in residential developments that receive city assistance. We demolish run-down homes or apartment buildings and turn them over to developers of affordable housing. Then we provide a subsidy that allows the developer to reduce the purchase price and still make a profit. We replace dangerous, unsafe high rises with mixed income communities, ending the isolation that has trapped residents in a cycle of poverty and failure."

Hopefully the current City programme of constructing "temporary accommodation" will allow for releasing residents similarly trapped in the not too distant future but I worry about the apparent lack of scale.

However, the biggest influence on how the future city will look and work relates to its transport-related residential component. One of the really important outcomes of a decent transportation system is the impact that it will have on the siting and massing of development. I think this has been recognised by the powers-that-be in the opportunities that will be offered for bulk and density but I don't think that is enough. We also have to have the guts to implement some meaningful interventions and I'm not sure that we are brave enough nor equipped to go that far.


Increase in inner city living
The past five years have already witnessed a massive increase in inner-city residential living because the market has reacted to the huge pent-up demand, skewed by decades of apartheid planning, for decent accommodation close to employment. But this has largely been through seizing opportunities to convert empty commercial or degraded residential into middle-income housing.
Surely the new transportation systems must lead to transit-oriented development on a far more imaginative and broader scale, requiring public and private sectors to work far closer together to create mixed use environments close to public transport. That requires developers to be working with public transportation authorities to plan for a diversity of development, including a wide range of housing types to suit all kinds of economic circumstances within an environment of a greater proliferation of open space and which encourage walking and cycling.

Several lessons of transit-oriented development have emerged from other countries – we need to learn from them.

Recently, I read an article on the "inextricable role" that planning needs to play in the development of transit in China (41 000 kms of expressway in 2006 ,which by 2020 will exceed 85 000. That's bad news as far as I'm concerned – last year China added 1 000 new cars a day to its roads!) but its railway system will extend to 100 000 kms by the same time. Some 11 265 of those will be rapid rail connections between provincial capitals and main cities, including a 174 km $1.2 billion high-speed train between Shanghai and Hangzou.

The article also contained the following statement, somewhat sobering because it's so close to the bone: "The scale and breadth of this investment in infrastructure are unprecedented, and understanding its ramifications is difficult for many, especially for Westerners more accustomed to Governments that only begrudgingly support mass transit. While these figures are singularly impressive, the official reported projections may be somewhat inflated. What provincial governments announce – and what is actually implemented – is not always the same. Statistics, reliable or otherwise, are hard to come by. Indeed, for all its recent openness, China is still known to guard and manipulate information it gives to the public, especially information it considers to involve the greater good of the citizenry."

If you read last weekend's Sunday Times "Survey on the City of Johannesburg", you will know that China is not alone in this approach. An article in the survey, "Public Transport Revolution Planned", was dominated by a picture of existing Metro buses (The caption read: "The present bus system will be turned into what is known as Bus Rapid Transport". I would call that not only gross misrepresentation but a miracle, rather than a revolution!). The City missed a great opportunity to start building enthusiasm and a common understanding of the BRT proposals and of the impact they will have on the city and its citizens – an impact that could make us into the really great African city of world class status. But do we have the vision to go beyond ourselves?

This City should stop treating its citizens as dumbos and turn what is without doubt a critical intervention into an opportunity to get everyone to buy in and rebuild civic pride. This is the biggest single opportunity that the city has embraced since the discovery of gold and I would have employed some of the genius of a Jaime Lerner, Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava, maybe even a Frank Gehry, to lift everyone's sights to what could be and to excite and motivate even the dourest and most doughty of critics.

Ciao, Neil

Bad buildings, the other side of Jozi.

This one is in Hillbrow. It looks like its vacant, I hope someone company is busy with it.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050412.jpg


In Pritchard Street
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050393.jpg


In Pritchard Street
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050397.jpg

Are there any more vacant buildings in Downtown Johannesburg (besides the Carlton Centre Hotel and the Johannesburg Sun and Towers)?

Most of the buildings are not empty but the main problem with them is delapidation. The empty buildings that I have seen are the ones that are under renovations.

Anybody with any information about this?

Fashion Kapital

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050388.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050386.jpg




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050390.jpg

i have no idea what this is, and it doesnt matter either... it's new and it looks funky!!! that is all that counts!!! :)

The delapidate building behin this construction site is also being refurbed. The one with cracked windows.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050386.jpg

i have no idea what this is, and it doesnt matter either... it's new and it looks funky!!! that is all that counts!!! :)

It is funcky but I need to know as to what will is be used for, it might be something very exciting.

That's the site I was talking about the other day - Fashion Square. It's been held up by disagreements with building contractors (apparently), but it is seemingly going ahead now. Took a while - but great news, and will no doubt do wonders for the Fashion District as a whole.

i wonder who will move in first.... Stoned Cherrie, Sun Goddess?? Armani?? LOL

Don't write them out, I think there's a possibly of them moving into the area especially since the whole area is being redone. Remember that its just a walking distance from High Court pricinct.

This building is next to the Salvation Army in Simmonds street, its visible from Standard Bank's parking.

This basically gives you an idea of how the whole of Joburg is busy with renovations.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050657.jpg

Great thread to see the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

Braamfontein

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050716.jpg

I want an apartment there so so badly^^

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2056340065_a64d04ae1b_o.jpg

Wow... this reminds me of Cape Town a few years back... except it will be on a way larger scale. There are just so many apartment buildings in Joburg CBD to go through redevelopment, which is great.

I am glad they aren't tearing down buildings for new ones at this point, as it's nice to see the old kept and rejuvenated. New buildings, when they do come, will also be a nice addition, of course!

:cheers: Keep up the great updates, guys! Good job Pule!

Keeping Hillbrow clean
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050873.jpg


A block from Park Station City Property is busy with this building
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050883.jpg

A new food joint in Pritchard Street. They are currently laying pedestrian walkway paving.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060056.jpg


Driving from Braamfontein using biccard to Simmonds Street in the CBD, this is next to Noord Taxi Rank. The place was very bad.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060036.jpg

Thanks for the photos once again Pule.
If possible, do you have or could you take some photos of this Noord Street taxi rank you always talking about. I really dont know where it is and wanna see how bad it really is. Thanks mate

.....Newtown.....

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/2081862462_e945324fbd_b.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/2081855824_ad8d255abd_b.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/2081080753_165f329371_b.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/2081075229_f45f8f274b_b.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/2081073399_dd6fa3f8fe_b.jpg

Thanks for the photos once again Pule.
If possible, do you have or could you take some photos of this Noord Street taxi rank you always talking about. I really dont know where it is and wanna see how bad it really is. Thanks mate

Thanx Luf, quite honestly its not easy for me to get out of the car and take photos there especially with those brainless taxi drivers around but I have attached photo taken from Johannesburg Art Gallary, JAG. The other side of the rand is very bad.

The shopping centre with KFC is part of the Taxi Rank. But quite honestly its better than what it used to be.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1050874.jpg

Main Street, Just behind Carlton Centre
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060327.jpg

Next to Carlton Centre
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060326.jpg


Carlton Centre
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060325.jpg

Ellis Park Precinct
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060331.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060330.jpg

A new Cafe in the CBD.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060490.jpg


Dogon is heading towards completition.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060491.jpg


Bridge Precinct in Braamfontein

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060488.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060487.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060486.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060484.jpg

Sticking to the mandate, Johannesburg is delivering. The city is being beutified.


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060574.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060576.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060577.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060579.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060580.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060582.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060584.jpg

said it before and will say it again, Jozi has the most amazing amount of public art and statues and the street furniture and urban landscaping is world class.

well done jozi and it should inspire the rest of the inner city CBD,s to follow suit

.....is it getting hot here on the South Africa forum or am i getting a fever???....yall doing a fantastic jobs!!!!......its not only Jozi, but Durban and Cape Town are smoking mad with developments.....i am so proud of our cities's councils.....keep up the good work guys and i bet 2008 will even better than what we have seen so far......HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!

said it before and will say it again, Jozi has the most amazing amount of public art and statues and the street furniture and urban landscaping is world class.

well done jozi and it should inspire the rest of the inner city CBD,s to follow suit

The guys are serious about art and they doing an excellent job. I can't wait to see the public art in Hillbrow berea and Yeoville next year.

I just hope that smaller cities like Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rusterburg etc follow the trend.



.....is it getting hot here on the South Africa forum or am i getting a fever???....yall doing a fantastic jobs!!!!......its not only Jozi, but Durban and Cape Town are smoking mad with developments.....i am so proud of our cities's councils.....keep up the good work guys and i bet 2008 will even better than what we have seen so far......HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!

LOL, it is HOT Upington and I promise that 2008 is the year of less talk and plenty of action and it will definately be a happy new year.

More of Bridge Precinct, work is progressing very well.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060586.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060587.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060588.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060590.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060589.jpg

Johannesburg Art Gallery, work has to be done here to control taxis fron distructing people. The place is clean and safe.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060629.jpg

The following 2 photos are part of Jewel City
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060673.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060674.jpg

Fashion District
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060628.jpg

Renovated apartments in Bree Street at Hillbrow border
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060672.jpg

....man, Pule, you are doing a fantastic job for Jozi......your tireless effort is appreciate by most of us......

Thanks again Upington, here are some shots taken today in Hillbrow. I took a drive today in the morning and I have seen more than 10 buildings which they either are busy with or have been completed. All I can say is that there's a need for security guys in every corner of this place to keep order. The sad thing that I have noticed is that those that I have seen today don't have any retail incorporated in them and I promise you that Hillbrow is the place to have you KFC, McDonald's and so forth. Nandos in Hillbrow operates 24/7 and it's full everytime I find myself looking for food after 00:00 when I'm in town.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060683.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060684.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060685.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060686.jpg

.....thank Pule, nice shots....we know Rome was not built overnight.....but it looks like Jozi is being re-developed overnight.......BTW, recently i went to pick a friend at Park Station at night......i was shocked that even though its near Hillbrow, its so much safer and much quieter at night.....

That part of Hillbrow is not bad, I have realised not the whole of Hillbrow is delapidated and full of crime and with the Joburg council's initiative to make the whole of Jozi better, the major police precense in hillbrow makes it a lot safer now. That place will even be better when the project of turning it into a trasnport hub is completed. I will contact JDA and ask as to when they are gonna with the project.

To those of you who are inetrested in buying properties e.g. blocks of flats and need finance please check out www.tuhf.co.za. By the way your race doesn't matter, all they want is investors in our cities to rehabilitate their buildings and for people to invest in cities so that we can at the end have beutiful and attractive cities. I think we can also advice those people who are owning buildings in our CBDs to approach this people if they want to rehabilitate their buildings.

Here are some of the work they have done in Jozi. Photos with courtesy of tuhf.co.za

Braemer BEFORE
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/braemerBefore.jpg
AFTER
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/braemerAfter.jpg



Coniston BEFORE
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/conistonBefore.jpg
AFTER
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/conistonAfter.jpg



Waverley BEFORE
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/waverleyBefore.jpg
AFTER
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/waverleyAfter.jpg



Sunley BEFORE
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/sunleyBefore.jpg
AFTER
http://www.tuhf.co.za/gallery/sunleyAfter.jpg

Those buildings are in Hillbrow check out more from TUHF's website.

this is truly amazing work thats been done. Hats off to these guys!

If Johannesburg is doing a renewal, why aren't they tearing down any buildings? aren't there supposed to be any projects built from scratch?

Economically it is way more feasible to re-use existing structures (due to the rise in construction costs). Secondly, heritage concerns slows down the entire process - as such many projects have stalled because construction is not yet allowed. Thirdly, there is cost involved in demolition of buildings. The Gauteng Provincial Square was launched to much funfare with the declaration that 10 buildings will go (but this grand scale project has been stalled - perhaps for good - by most of the problems noted above.

New construction (Examples)?

The Gautrain station in Braamfontein.
Brickfields (2003)
ABSA's new Tower's West project (3 11F buildings for 3500 new employees)
Zurich's new Tower (prob a 10F) in Marshalltown
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

As for the rest, conversions seems to be the most economical, safe and prudent option at this stage. Anglo refurbished the old turbine hall for their new offices. This saved a beautiful heritage building, and added to the architectural flavor of the area. And new builds will be encouraging, but I doubt whether we will see this soon. New builds are restricted to the north (which is seen as a smaller gamble economically - I tend to distrust this notion.)

Hope I answered some of your questions.

If Johannesburg is doing a renewal, why aren't they tearing down any buildings? aren't there supposed to be any projects built from scratch?

Are there any empty lots in the city centre?

not really, have a look at street level shots and you will see how dense joburg is

Metro police chasing those who don't respect the bi-laws. Good job as these people don't clean their rubbish and they make the city look unpleasent. Look at the rubbish on the right side of the picture.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060702.jpg

I think what the city needs to do in order to stop people from littering is to get school children to clean the areas surrounding their schools. That way they'll hopefully grow up knowing that littering starts with the individual and they will hopefully not litter later on.

The problem of course is not with the city... Considering how much South Africans care for their environment, I think the city does a fantastic job of keeping places clean. But there is only so much you can do to change the attitudes of people using the streets of Joburg.

I think what the city needs to do in order to stop people from littering is to get school children to clean the areas surrounding their schools. That way they'll hopefully grow up knowing that littering starts with the individual and they will hopefully not litter later on.

The problem of course is not with the city... Considering how much South Africans care for their environment, I think the city does a fantastic job of keeping places clean. But there is only so much you can do to change the attitudes of people using the streets of Joburg.

You right on the spot there Joburg, I agree with you.

Metro police chasing those who don't respect the bi-laws. Good job as these people don't clean their rubbish and they make the city look unpleasent. Look at the rubbish on the right side of the picture.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1060702.jpg

haha getting arrested for litter so this is what the cops really do *must hav j walked as well there 2 police cars on the scene* but its good to see there making any effort :lol:

Hey guys, Just back from Durban been there for about a month. Thanks very much Pule for the before and after photographs! I am slowly taking back what i said previously about how the CBD is failing horribly. Took a good hour drive through the CBD yesterday and pleased to say that things are looking good. However: litter is still my major concern. I have taken photographs and will upload them soon. All the best for the new year guys!

those police cars look like they belong at the circus- need more blue on them

those police cars look like they belong at the circus- need more blue on them


I think they cool as they look better than Durbs and CT metro cars.

Work started in Hillbrow, for the next 7 months Hillbrow will be busy.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070200.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070198.jpg

That's really cool. Renewal rocks!

Its a City Property's property in Bree Street.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070424.jpg

That's really cool. Renewal rocks!

I drove into Hillbrow today in the morning all I can say is that "JDA ROCKS". Pavements are being ripped from all angles. Streets are being sweeped even when there's construction going on. I think the city have to drive Investors inside Hillbrow so that they can see the changes taking place. :banana:

I can't wait to see AFHCO, City Property, TUHF etc signs going up there in numbers.

Its a City Property's property in Bree Street.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070424.jpg


This block of flats were rank just a couple of months ago. Took two american visitors through the city today. The last time they were here was in 2005. They were amazed at how much cleaner it is now compared to then, the development, the shops. They could not stop talking about how amazing the city looks - and we even drove past joubert park, bree street, the carlton, pritchard, newtown. So it is changing - we tend to forget it because we see it every day.

This block of flats were rank just a couple of months ago. Took two american visitors through the city today. The last time they were here was in 2005. They were amazed at how much cleaner it is now compared to then, the development, the shops. They could not stop talking about how amazing the city looks - and we even drove past joubert park, bree street, the carlton, pritchard, newtown. So it is changing - we tend to forget it because we see it every day.

We really do forget especially those of us who see the city everyday. The best way of seeing those changes is when you walk and I promise you will appriciate Jozi more.

Remember the days when Joburg used to be known as the filthiest City in South Africa? Thanks to rehabilitation process taking place in the city that things have chnged tremendously. I went to see my friend in Mooi Street and I couldn't help it but had to take this shot. Who would have imagined that even streets like Mooi would be like this?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070435.jpg

This builings are just behind the Carlton Centre.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070437.jpg


Mr Pice in the city centre.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070442.jpg

Hillbrow - Urban Renewal ...

Is the war being won or not? be the judge

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070472.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070474.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070488.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070490.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070491.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070494.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070496.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070497.jpg

I took this pics early in the morning today, I wanted to show how the streets look like in terms of flith just before they Pickit up clean them. During the week the streets are cleaned during the night but on sunday they are cleaned after sun rise.

.....Pule, as always, good job bro!!....BTW, i loved the Rea Vaya photos......they look amazing!!!......and seriously Pule, you should consider re-opening the defunct "Joburg Topless Tours" that died on arrival years ago......i think you can kill 2 birds with one stone.......showcase the city to tourists and get us these amazing shots while making money........you should approach the Mayor's office with the backing of Neil Fraser, you guys can join forces and do both the walking and topless tours......i don't care for those tour operators in Sandton.....their tours are too long, very expensive and gives one a bad headache.......start with this simple route......Ghandi Square, Newtown, cross Mandela Bridge, Joburg Civic, Constitution hill, Parktown/Houghton (drop Neil and his tourists), cross M1 to Melrose Arch, Joburg Zoo, down Rivonia avenue to Rosebank and finally Sandton city.......




..

.....Pule, as always, good job bro!!....BTW, i loved the Rea Vaya photos......they look amazing!!!......and seriously Pule, you should consider re-opening the defunct "Joburg Topless Tours" that died on arrival years ago......i think you can kill 2 birds with one stone.......showcase the city to tourists and get us these amazing shots while making money........you should approach the Mayor's office with the backing of Neil Fraser, you guys can join forces and do both the walking and topless tours......i don't care for those tour operators in Sandton.....their tours are too long, very expensive and gives one a bad headache.......start with this simple route......Ghandi Square, Newtown, cross Mandela Bridge, Joburg Civic, Constitution hill, Parktown/Houghton (drop Neil and his tourists), cross M1 to Melrose Arch, Joburg Zoo, down Rivonia avenue to Rosebank and finally Sandton city.......




..


All I can say is watch the space about that idea Upingotn, its been in a pipeline for a couple of months now and thanks for the complement bro.

Hillbrow - Urban Renewal continued...

Is the war being won or not? be the judge

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070537.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070533.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070532.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070535.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070531.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070528.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070526.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070522.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070521.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070518.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070516.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070514.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070512.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070510.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070509.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070507.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070505.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070504.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1070502.jpg

still looks like shit, but at least the tide has turned. its also good to see the city actually starts to invest its own money in this. then the other property investors can join in. its all about safety and ensuring that the bye laws are enforced while public spaces are kept clean.

....thanks for the shots bro......doesn't look like shit, but rather like any city undergoing re-birth.......i lived in New York in 1989 during Mayor David Dinkins and New York looked worse than this.......42nd street and its soround areas near Grand Central with its neon lights, sex/porn shops, strip bars, bath houses, drug dealers and transexual prostitutes made this place look like a walk in the park......this is a good baseline Pule.....so with the roll out of cleaning and landscaping of Hillbrow/Berea that started last month, let see what the area looks like in July after the make over.......i am glad that Jozi has such a dedicated guy like Pule.....






..

...doesn't look like shit, but rather like any city undergoing re-birth...

I concur with you Upington, it fas way passed that stage. This part of the city has improved a lot but I guess it depends on whether you have been in hillbrow while it was a very thrashy place...


......this is a good baseline Pule.....so with the roll out of cleaning and landscaping of Hillbrow/Berea that started last month, let see what the area looks like in July after the make over...

Again I agree with you, the guys have done a great job so far and with further improvements as per the current project we will see a big difference. An example is what the improvements that they have done next to Ellis Park.


...i am glad that Jozi has such a dedicated guy like Pule...
Thanks a lot my brother.

......well, Rome was not build overnight......there is a saying that "what you see depends on where you stand"......everybody is a "reality show judge" and "know-it-all" these days......its very easy to judge at face value.......and some of us appreciate your photos a lot..........coz they give us a different light of Jozi.......so, don't pay too much attention to some of the negativity about the Jozi CBD........you are doing a great job bro.......many of these so-called experts have been so wrong about Jozi and SA so many times its laughable.......







.

This article featured in an Urban Design magazine here in NZ and sounds like a gr8 idea (not sure if it belongs in this thread, move it as you see fit) ....

Makeover for Johannesburg .... If you still think John Banks’ attempt to create an Eastern Highway for Auckland was a bold planning move, it’s got nothing on the Johannesburg council’s latest plan. One of the biggest urban-planning changes in Joburg's history is on the horizon, which could see sections of some of the poshest suburbs turned into business districts; the elimination of suburbs such as Melrose, Dunkeld and Atholl - and their transformation into high-rise office and apartment blocks.

The plans, tabled under the Urban Development Framework document, have been put in place to ensure the success of the planned Gautrain high-speed rail system to link Johannesburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg International Airport. Property experts are describing the plans as "major" and "inevitable". Developer and investor Patrick Flanagan said it would "alleviate traffic congestion, as mixed-used developments reduce residents' reliance on cars". He added: "Before emotion comes into it, people who own properties in these areas should clearly understand what is proposed. People must ... be very mature in understanding what this is in terms of overall town-planning."

I think this is the article you are referring to...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=545056

Looks like it does belong in this thread :) I'm very excited about what's happening in Joburg. It's definitely right on time.

Hillbrow
Johannesburg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1070692.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1070691.jpg

When I took the second pic, the guys were busy mawing the lawn as you can see on the left hand side of the pic that the grass is being worked on. It really looks beutiful that side of Hillbrow.

thanks for the real pics of the cbd im tired of only just seeing the good bits bt the cbd has changed alot and so has its image i often here about the revival of the cbd in my lectures and from fellow students"im studying architecture @ wits" bt be are still afraid of going into the cbd thou new town has given it a new life lots of trendy kids seem to be enjoying that place thou it still has alot of space and potential

....Hillbrow is coming along really good......the first pic shows how a fresh paint can do magic to the outside of a building......and just a little observation, your photos are probably the only ones that are so fresh and taken from a calm and cool perspective......one can see that when you took them, you felt so much at home wherever you were in Jozi.....they don't look like you snapped while you were watching your back......its becoming obvious that your shots are totally different from the typical "flickr" mass production taken from the same angle over and over again.......i have to admit, i am guilt of that myslef and i promise to sho'left next time i am in Jozi......once again, good job bro........




.

Jozi CBD
Who thought renewal will never work in Jozi?


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1070845.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1070798.jpg

simply amazing and heart warming. Once the mess has been cleaned up, I'm sure we would see new skyscrapers going up in Joburg soon.

........not only amazing and heart warming, but for the first time someone is painting a totally different picture of Jozi that the world don't read about in the negative SA press......and what is so beautiful about it is that he is single handedly doing it on his own time and money......thats so humbling.....Pule for President.......


.

Hillbrow

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080626.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080624.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080615.jpg

I wish some developer could come to the rescue on this ones. I just love them

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080851.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080848-1.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080847.jpg

Work in progress

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080725.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080728.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080730.jpg

They have started with work on retail
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080734.jpg

Work in progress

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080728.jpg




I think the City should introduce some or other form of by-law prohibiting people in residential buildings (and just buildings in general?) from placing satellites on the fronts of the building... alot of buildings in Killarney all have theirs on top of the building or on in one agreed upon section of the building which is least noticable..

I think the City should introduce some or other form of by-law prohibiting people in residential buildings (and just buildings in general?) from placing satellites on the fronts of the building... alot of buildings in Killarney all have theirs on top of the building or on in one agreed upon section of the building which is least noticable..

The bylaws that they need to implement is the ones that deals with illigal street traders and those who hangs clothes on their balconies.

Agree ^^ to your guys bylaws. Pule thanks once again with your photos! Alwas amazing. Was in the CBD on saterday and saw metro picking up alot of traders goods and packing them away.. seems like things are in progress, but i can only imagine how difficult this is going to be as its the traders income.

Agree ^^ to your guys bylaws. Pule thanks once again with your photos! Alwas amazing. Was in the CBD on saterday and saw metro picking up alot of traders goods and packing them away.. seems like things are in progress, but i can only imagine how difficult this is going to be as its the traders income.

I think its a lesson to them to take care of the places where they trading. If they keep the place clean and do not disturb the traffic flow, then I will support them.

I think all Joburgers need to go on a compulsory 'How to keep the space around you clean.' As Pule indicates, the only reason why the traders make the city look scruffy is because they don't keep their trading spaces clean. The city can provide as many trading stalls as they can, but at the end of the day if you have a trader who does not care that the pavement infront of him is strewn with lettuce leaves then those stalls are going to be pretty pointless to start with.

The bylaws that they need to implement is the ones that deals with illigal street traders and those who hangs clothes on their balconies.

The issue of hanging washing over balconies is usually handled by the building's body corporate. From what I've gathered, most of the buildings in the CBD, Yeoville, Hillbrow etc. are rented out by landlords who aren't particularly fased in enforcing the building's rules and regulations.

The issue of hanging washing over balconies is usually handled by the building's body corporate. From what I've gathered, most of the buildings in the CBD, Yeoville, Hillbrow etc. are rented out by landlords who aren't particularly fased in enforcing the building's rules and regulations.


That I know but there are plenty of irrespnsible body corporates out there and I think the city should take a stand and penelise those who do not apply that law in their buildings.

A couple of months ago I posted an article about a guy who owns a couple of buildings in Berea and he has made sure that no one is hanging clothes on balconies in his buildings and if you drive in Berea, you will see that its very different from the normal Hillbrow.

I agree pule, the City should get involved. Another issue i have is that of signage - what you guys think? You know those ugly signs on buildings you see all over town and by the licensing department all those damn driving school etc signs. To me it makes our CBD very taty (spelling?)

But is the councel allowed to decide what can and cannot be done is these buildings, at the end of the day they are private property.

I agree Pule, the City should get involved. Another issue i have is that of signage - what you guys think? You know those ugly signs on buildings you see all over town and by the licensing department all those damn driving school etc signs. To me it makes our CBD very taty (spelling?)

But is the councel allowed to decide what can and cannot be done is these buildings, at the end of the day they are private property.

I know them and I concur with you that the city must do something about them. Its the same as this illigal advertising, I don't see what's so difficult about stopping this nonsense from happening as those guys leave their numbers on these adverts, I think the city need to run a 6 months project to tackle all those.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080907.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080903.jpg

what is the building in the first picture above?? it is AMAZING!

what is the building in the first picture above?? it is AMAZING!


I don't know the name, it was recently renovated. Next to it there are 2 buildings that are being renovated.

That building is Bellvista Flats, if I am not mistaken it is in Bree Street

YAH!!! It's fantastic! Another building I just haven't even seen renovated yet!

this is so amazing.... wow. imagine having that top apartment with that big-ass balcony... having a braai, beer in the one hand.... amazing!

That building is Bellvista Flats, if I am not mistaken it is in Bree Street


I thinks its in Plain Steet, by the way if you guys remeber when we took a tour of the CBD we passed a new development in the same plin street next to Universal Church. The boards i up and its gonna be a new Cathedral for Universal Church.

The buidings in that area are historic and they just need to be worked on. That's the part of the city were hawkers need to be given a boot ASAP as they messing it up.

YAH!!! It's fantastic! Another building I just haven't even seen renovated yet!

Johannesburg is really working and come 2010, people will be suprised.

That building is Bellvista Flats, if I am not mistaken it is in Bree Street

......i might be wrong or they changed the name.......but it looks like the Barbican building.......and if it is the same building, Pule bro, you need to send Neil Fraser an alert because this is his baby......to him the Barbican building was like throwing the baby with bath water......

This is a different building altogether, there are similarities but this building is on Bree while the Barbican is on President Street.

Here is the Barbican for comparison and from what I know, nothing much has been done at all. Pity!

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2003/10/224073.jpg

Bellvista Flats according to Jakes1

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1080907.jpg

They do indeed look strikingly similar.
And Barbican is my baby! ;)

^ this is a gorgeous apartment block

I saw a big expensive flashy SA Tourism advert the other night here in London. Usually they are all about Capetown, beaches and gameparks.

This time it was some jaw dropping views and helicopter flyovers of downtown Joburg, Hillbrow, NM bridge, dense clusters of highrises, clubs etc, selling it as the city that never sleeps. Joburg seems to have started its campaign to be retaken seriously as a major city by the world general population. It was quite exciting really.

The shooting cost of advert and its showing must have been very expensive. Obviously this is now felt as a good investment.

They have appointed a new CEO at Joburg Tourism and she promised to turn things around. May be its one of her strategy, its good to hear all those news.

Yeah this is great news... nice to know we are being sold to the big guns out there.

South African Tourism is definately stepping up there game. They've been placing adverts on CNN (channel 281) along with all the countries in the East which are promoting tourism there, as well as on the CNN website (http://www.cnn.com/)

Went pass Hillbrow yesterday, its just not easy to drive there because of construction taking place. The good news is that the business seem to be repsonding well to the changes. Mr Price moved in a couple of months ago, I just forgot to mention this. Some guys are busy with their retail properties and City Property is also buying into the area.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090055.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090057.jpg

The BRT busses are gonna pass by Joubert Park.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090058.jpg

Jakes and Joburg, remeber we passed one street in Hillbrow where the tar was completely removed? The BRT busses are gonna pass in that street and that is the reason why the putting in the completely new tar.

Wonder what's going to happen to Noord Street? That street is absolute chaos at the best of times with all those taxis. Thanks for the pics PUles.

Wonder what's going to happen to Noord Street? That street is absolute chaos at the best of times with all those taxis. Thanks for the pics PUles.

Thanks Tom, I once asked Neil Fraser about it and he said that it was part of the greater Park Station precinct.

The BRT busses are gonna pass by Joubert Park.

Jakes and Joburg, remeber we passed one street in Hillbrow where the tar was completely removed? The BRT busses are gonna pass in that street and that is the reason why the putting in the completely new tar.

Pule, Is that Wolmarans street? Wow, i am really excited about the BRT. Its going to be a pleasure getting to downtown Jozi from Sandton on Gautrain and use Rea Vaya buses to get to Newtown for wicked night out.

Yebo yes Kulani, I as excited as you. Night life is going to be better with BRT.

The road to change
Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090158.jpg

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http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090189.jpg

South African Tourism is definately stepping up there game. They've been placing adverts on CNN (channel 281) along with all the countries in the East which are promoting tourism there, as well as on the CNN website (http://www.cnn.com/)

And the sport on Sky is sponsered by SA Tourism

Corner Simmonds and Bree
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090275.jpg


Fashion District
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090276.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090277.jpg


End Street
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090278.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090279.jpg


Commisioner Street
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090280.jpg

Pritchard Street
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090281.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090282.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090283.jpg

This must be a separate thread...Really...It is more important then just 2 posts on a thread about inner city...

Pule, I hope you willl start the new thread in the main section: The road to change: Hillbrow, Berea, Joubert Park and Yeoville

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/May08/P5150083.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/May08/P5150084.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/May08/P5150085.jpg

....Pule mogolo, ga ke itse gore kago ena ke ya complexe ya ofisi tsa ABSA??....or is this one of the Blue IQ projects???

.....Duh!......its says its the Zurich Head Office on the board....

LOL, I'm glad you corrected yoself bro.

...thanks bud.....its so refreshing to see new construction in Newtown and the CBD in general......that Zurich office will definitely bring life in that spot of Jozi.......still very seedy....

UJ is revamping 2 buildings around Ellis Park Precinct and turbing them into the UJ residence.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090585.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090586.jpg

I think for street cred and grittyness Jo'burg can knock the socks off any major city in the world. I just wish we could change some of the dark brown brick and dirty pinky peach buildings into something more up to date

UJ is revamping 2 buildings around Ellis Park Precinct and turbing them into the UJ residence.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090585.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090586.jpg

I have a feeling these buildings arent being revaped.......Look closer at the sign.....quite a dratsic new look these buildings would have after the REVAMPING don't you think. Very airy and open?

I agree with you on the second one KS.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090187.jpg
I guess It's Rockey street looking eastward?
They have improved the street lighting. And there are still congolese restaurants ("Café Joie"). Does anybody know if the restaurant "La Marmitte" is still there, a few hundreds meters from there on the left side?

That's the sameone. A couple of places have been renovated and some are currently being redone.

What is it about the City of Johannesburg and not being able to use a standard street lamp design? I mean the news ones they're putting up in all the improvement districts are really nice, but it's ridiculous how many different standards we now have... in Randburg some of them are useless and may as well not even by turned on, and then there are others that are bright and well positioned and the perfect height and all.

What is it about the City of Johannesburg and not being able to use a standard street lamp design? I mean the news ones they're putting up in all the improvement districts are really nice, but it's ridiculous how many different standards we now have... in Randburg some of them are useless and may as well not even by turned on, and then there are others that are bright and well positioned and the perfect height and all.
It seemed to me that you have different levels of lighting depending on the streets. When I was in Yeoville 10 years ago Raleigh street was ok but close to there Regent street was quite dark when I was walking back at night. But the lamp post were looking quite good maintained anyway, despite the hard times this area was beginning to have.

The Coronia, Berea

Conversion of archetypical modernist hotel into 428 luxury hotel-apartments.

http://www.oka.co.za/images/projects/coronia/front.jpg


http://www.oka.co.za/images/coronia/pic8.JPG


http://www.oka.co.za/images/coronia/pic7.JPG

Project Brief: Enhance the beauty of the existing structure while creating liveable, commercially viable residential space.

Core Concept: Create a striking building exterior using panels of coloured glass in a patchwork configuration. Re-model the entrance as a gentle landscaped ramp leading to a new reception. Update the existing apartments and balcony-gardens so each looks onto a lush courtyard.

Queens Garden Hotel, Berea, JHB


http://www.oka.co.za/images/projects/queensgarden/front.jpg

Project: refurbishment and extension of hotel
Status: on the drawing board
Client: Psimeco Esi pty (Ltd)
Address: O’Reilly and Tudhope Street, Berea, JHB
Land: 9481 m2
Building: 14 storeys
Number of rooms: 356 hotel rooms

Project Brief: Bring the existing building to a modern standard, and build an extension to accommodate 400 extra rooms.

Core Concept: Create a landmark to attract guests to the hotel as well as to uplift a formerly neglected part of town. Transform the façade of the building into a focal point for the street that would flow into the new extension.

wow Pule ^^ In Berea? Thats great and a real good sign of whats to come in the area. At the same time, it makes sense as its so close to the Stadium, it would be madness not to try uplift the area and get 2010 tourists to stay there.

In this post I'm gonna show you the sad state of what the other side Jozi. Lets hope for the best and as per the council's goal, I think we wil see this kind of builings being redone as they are close or even next to the public transport.

Around Park Station and it not all sides and Joubert park BRT Station.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090650.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090651.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090652.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090653.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090709.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090704.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090698.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090694.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090671.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090657.jpg

The above is not good and it can demotivate you even when you know the progress that have been made. But we need not to forget on how the whole of CBD used to look like. We never thought that one day we can have this kind of change and even with this ones that I have shown here, we will in a year or so say that we never thought that this places will be like they are by then. We do have problems but as you might have seen with Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville, JDA will make a plan to change the current situation. Here's some of the changes by the Private sector.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090685.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090682.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090684.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090666.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090656.jpg

I will post more as soon as I get back to the area.

The diggings on the first pics I posted are of the BRT route and station. Within walking distance, there is Joubert Park, Taxi rank (I hope TRP will be in good working condition in 2010), Johannesburg Art Gallery, Park Station and now the BRT Station. The BRT is located between Joubert Park and those builidngs. Imagine resturants and coffee shops along that strip? Look at the pic and tell me what you think.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090694.jpg

Pule this is one of my favourite threads,thanks for all your hard work

^^ Second that! 10 points to Pule!

Hell yeah that would look cool! I am sure the BRT will bring that vibe. I wish the BRT could just be finished yesterday:)

The land in front of BrickFields, you know where that station structure is, is there any plans to build on that land? BrickFields is really cool looking and it would be really cool if they could expand that project over the road to plot.

The last time I checked with Neil, he said there were plans but as the land is owned by transnet its not easy to aqcuire it. Transnet is full of assholes and they blocking some nice things from happening around the country but they were quick to sell V&A at just $1Mil.

i 3rd that joburg has got some really awesome buildings the whole of the wits architect seems to be in live with the cbd "well apart from all the kids from the northern surbs"

Progress in Hillbrow...

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090713.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090714.jpg

wow that building in the second pic is looking SMART!

In this post I'm gonna show you the sad state of what the other side Jozi. Lets hope for the best and as per the council's goal, I think we wil see this kind of builings being redone as they are close or even next to the public transport.

Around Park Station and it not all sides and Joubert park BRT Station.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090650.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090651.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090652.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090653.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090709.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090704.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090698.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090694.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090671.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/Johannesburg/P1090657.jpg

I passed here on saturday and it seems like the KFC guys are checking out SSC as they will soon be opening another one of theirs right next to were the Joubert Park's BRT Station will be.

I can't wait to see coffe shops, resturants and pubs around that area. All it needs is for the area to be declared a UDZ then we will definately see all these guys flocking in.

We might also see more investment as soon as the BRT Station is completed this coming September.

hard line hard line after hard line...

I passed here on saturday and it seems like the KFC guys are checking out SSC as they will soon be opening another one of theirs right next to were the Joubert Park's BRT Station will be.

We might also see more investment as soon as the BRT Station is completed this coming September.

Pule i think its starting to happen. Awsome. I thought that the BRT would start this vibe!

I really hope some new developments come to this area. It's in dire need by the looks of Pule's pics, but it can be done!

I have spoke to Neil via email and he said that he will send me a diagram of what is planned for Kerk Street next week as he is currently on holidays.

From: http://www.joburg.org.za

Inner city upgrades

Written by Ndaba Dlamini
Friday, 25 July 2008

Millions of rand has been invested in the revitalisation of the inner city - by the City and the private sector. The next refurbishment project is the Consolidated Building in Fox Street.

http://www.joburg.org.za/images/stories/2008/jul/building001.jpg
The historic Consolidated Building in Fox Street is set to undergo refurbishment

EXECUTIVE Mayor Amos Masondo has placed the regeneration of the inner city on his list of priorities. At the opening of the Inner City Summit in May 2007, he stressed the importance of the revitalisation of the inner city as a catalyst for economic growth, as well as for creating a living environment that was secure and decent.

And in response to the City's efforts to turn around the fortunes of the inner city - after more than a decade of decline - property companies and big businesses have invested millions of rand in the area, turning rundown and abandoned buildings into lucrative office and residential structures.

One such company that has invested heavily in the inner city is Amdec Property Developments, which is planning to develop the Consolidated Building along Fox Street into prime office space.

Affectionately known as the "Johnnic Building", the eight-storey structure is owned by Dreamworld Investments 374, a joint venture between Amdec and Property Partners. It dates back to 1905 and is a registered heritage property.

Designed by architects TH Smith and Aburrow & Treeby, based in London and Johannesburg respectively, and erected by contractors Milliken Brothers of New York, the building is renowned for its rich decorated facades and its elegant proportions.

JCI headquarters
It was originally built to house the headquarters of Johannesburg Consolidated Investments (JCI) on land that was valued at £40 000 (about R600 000 at today's exchange rate). In 1910, the valuation of land and buildings topped £130 000 (almost R2-million).

Amdec's investment manager, Nicholas Reyneke, says the building housed the JCI Group for close to a century until the company was unbundled in the late 1990s in pursuit of black empowerment. It is now housed nearby at 28 Harrison Street.

"When the building was packed up in preparation for reconstruction, historic material relating to the company's - and the city's - history was logged and archived, filling a whopping 90 boxes."

Some 5 832m² in size, it is standing vacant but is expected to let quickly after reconstruction because it offers several key features lacking in older properties.

"Tenants have access to convenient parking at Drummond Parking Garage, which is also owned by Dreamworld, a few streets away. The building offers a secure underground walkway into the basement of neighbouring 28 Harrison Street and safe shuttle transport to the garage itself," Reyneke says.

Developers will take into consideration the sensitive nature of the building when removing the internal walls to create modern, open-plan space. Air conditioning will also be installed throughout, according to Amdec's project manager, Kobus van Zyl.

"We are currently working closely with the relevant heritage authorities. Only after these negotiations will reconstruction begin."

Leasing is expected to start off at market-related rentals. An average of 620m² is available on each floor. Amdec also recently fully leased the offices at 28 Harrison Street, which is also home to the first Woolworths micro food store to open in the CBD.

Another property being developed by Amdec is 120 End Street, in Doornfontein. Here, the company will convert the existing 47 000m² building into some 650 affordable flats.

It comprises a low-rise podium and tower. Amdec is looking at including a creche on the property, as well as a retail outlet for residents. The redevelopment work is expected to begin in early 2009.

Located within the Ellis Park precinct, 120 End Street and is expected to complement the R2-billion infrastructure upgrades being undertaken by the Johannesburg Development Agency in that area.

That's a nice building. With it extirior refurbed and the currently being refurbed Standard Bank's building and 17 other provincial government builings wich are currently being worked on, the area will be good come next year.

A new Spur in Hillbrow, saw it this morning :banana:

haha. next thing we'll have a Woolies ;)
where is the Spur?

Great news Thabang. I have always being optimistic about Hillbrow and I guess my optism is paying off.

haha. next thing we'll have a Woolies ;)
where is the Spur?

One thing I would like to see Tom is the likes of Uzzi, Guess, Mont Blanc, Naf Naf etc opening shops in the CBD but I guess it wil take ages before that happens. Lets hope the council will be fast in implementing upgrades in Fashion District.

Do you perhaps know which stores are gonna open in Fashion Kapitol?

naf naf, is that the hip hop shop in the carlton?

damn! i forgot the street name where the new Spur is located, but it's nearly opposite to the new Nandos :banana:

^^ there are properties which are upgraded in the area you talking about Thabang and one of them is the bulding that use to house Nandos of which is directly opposite the current Nandos. That is at corner Twist and Pretoria Street.

damn! i forgot the street name where the new Spur is located, but it's nearly opposite to the new Nandos :banana:

Is it opening or its already operating?

the Spur hasn't opened yet they still working on the interiors and building.

^^ I will go check it out possibly today.

it looks like Spur has a mission for joburg, a couple of months Spur Sarasota was opened in the building where i stay 100 Jorrissen Braamfontain. i cant have enough of those Rib Burgers!:eat:

^^ I ate there with my family about 2 weeks ago. There's another top class resturant in called Narina Trogon, I tried to go eat but there was a function and that's when I went to Spur.

Went passed there yesterday as I also had to go to Nandos after picking up my vrou from work in the CBD. The new Spur in hillbrow :banana: is position diagonally to Nandos and it not located in the old Nandos building like I thought. Thanks for the info T-bang.

Hillbrow is coming back to life gents but I still say that the CID need to be established ASAP so that they can get rid of hawkers who do not take care of the environment. Driving on Pretorius Street, where Spur is located, to Ponte is a pleasent drive with all the colourful lights and some poles which also lights up trees with red on one side of the street to green on the other side is mind blowing.

I would like to more local and other African clothes designer shops, night clubs, pubs and more interestingly Nigerian, Ghanian, Cameroonian resturants. It will be intersting to see new fast food but nice looking outlets taking space in Pretorius and the other street. It would be interesting to see those streets look like the following in terms of shops and resturants. I'm not saying that they must be axactly like that but 'm just giving an idea.

Pics by Syd


http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/73550886.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/73814064.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/73878530.jpg




We are a year from Confederations Cup and 2 years from the world cup and by that time Hillbrow will be different. Thanks to Mr Amos Masondo and his team. By the way bus stops that looks like the ones in Braamfontein have been installed.

Mr. Amos Masondo for President

^^ adding on that I think that it would be nice to see brand new coffee shops, small resturants like the ones in Parktown north and Melville. There's a KFC, McDonald and others on every corner of our city, we need new stuff.

I don't know if this is the best place to ask this but me and a few of my partners (lol not in that way) are looking to invest in joburg - i.e we plan to buy one of the dilapidated buildings and transform it into a boutique hotel. However we don't know where to start at finding that sort of property, so i'm looking for somebody to point us in the direction of some useful sights. We would prefer the property to be located near either one of the new Gautrain stations, Newtown or the Fashion District (unless you have any better surgestions which i would be happy to put forward) thnks!

I would go for Braamfontein first given the close proximity to the Park Station. Also the area is up and coming, and a number of new eateries and shops are opening that are making the area a more attractive area.

I personally wouldn't go for the Fashion District just yet because it doesn't (yet) have the same sort of gentrified environment that Braamfontein or Sandton (in the north of city) have. I think for a boutique hotel an environment that looks sparkling and safe is ideal, and the Fashion District is not yet... um... an 'Auckland'? One feels like one is in Africa when one walks around the Fashion District. Not that this is a bad thing, but I don't think your Louis Vuitton-loving tourist is going to dig it so much...

If you're looking for property, the best is perhaps looking at auction houses that often auction off inner city buildings. But look quickly because they're getting snapped up really quickly. Good luck with it! And if you decide to go ahead with it, keep us in the loop!

Why might I ask did you decide to invest in Joburg?

Thanks alot! Yeah we dont mind the african feel, we're looking for a little rough around the edges but Braamfontein sounds good - we want to avoid Sandton! The reason is that we first decided to invest in a country that was out of our safety zone, that was relatively liberally minded (as this is the core values of our buisness plans) but had enough potential that we could see a change - coming to the conclusion SA would be a good choice. After researching it further we realsied that more people visit CT but that it had already been snapped up, Durban didnt have the right feel and Joburg was big enough, had the correct finacial institutions and felt like it was going in a positive direction but hadn't quite got there, meaning we could have some influence. We are also planning to include a resteraunt or lounge bar but it's early days yet!

^^ I would definately suggest that you but around Park Station area as Park Station will be refurbed in a year or so, there will be a Gautrain Station, a BRT stop, there's Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG), Dri Hill and there's Joubert Park also. Its also a walking distance to Ellis Park Sports Precinct which is receiving R2 billion upgrade, close to Hillbrow which is also being upgraded currently. But it will be best to speak to Neil Fraser, our city champion. http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/442/225/

The buildings I'm talking about are shown here, I mean the ones with the ground works as they are over looking Joubert Park, future BRT Station and Johannesburg Art Gallery
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=22918242&postcount=146

Imagine a renovated colourful building with retail, a coffes shop or a resturant, at the bottom and people sitting under colorful umbrellas.


But again it would be great for you and your partners to come visit first before choosing which place to invest in but I'm sure you gonna agree with me on that one. You can also check under Aspects of regeneration in this link http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/1670/49/ and see what's happening and what's planned for the city.

I would go for Braamfontein first given the close proximity to the Park Station. Also the area is up and coming, and a number of new eateries and shops are opening that are making the area a more attractive area.



I agree with Tom about Braamfontein being there alreayd but I guess if you look at the bigger picture and I mean for something that will be in operation say in a year or so, then I would stick to what I have picked. Well, I might have ignored the fact that you looking at a boutique hotel and in that case I don't think the area I chose will be suitable for that, for now.

Good luck mate.

Thanks this is all brilliant! Like i say everything is in early planning stages - including whether the hotel should be boutique, however to answer your earlier point, we have visited Joburg before, but we plan to visit on a fact-finding mission. Nothing's for certain but we all feel Joburg would be the best choice compared to other possible cities and countries! lol well i certainly do! We have looked at the area around the Park as one of the likely options because of the transport links but we also felt that it needed a good vibe, quite bohemian if possible but if not then thats possibly something we could bring to the table - lol i know were asking for alot but its a big step!

the best place is right opposite to where i stay, 100 Jorrisen Braamfontain we're next to the mayor's office, civic theatre (with an awesome park) and very close to main routes and the Park station. plus you'd be next the SA Police's VIP Protection Unit :lol: GOOOD LUCK!

As I said Neil will be the best advice and you can also phone JDA, www.jda.co.za, and ask them about thier plans of the area. They have before given me 2 presentations on Hillbrow and Yeoville and good progress is now visible and they for sure are attracting investors.

Another reason why I pointed that area is the fact that it will be more cost effective in terms of buying property unlike buying in Braamfontein and other areas.

Marshalltown is also a good area to look through, especially towards the magistrates court. I would do some research on the BRT as well - the bus stations would make it easier to get to your hotel. Newtown, always fun - close to big banks - FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA and Anglo American - especially if you want to attract business clients.

If you want to go on a fact finding mission - enough Jozi people on this forum to join you...

I dont know whether there is, but if somebody could point me in the direction of a diagram that shows both the Gautrain and BRT stations on a map of Joburg, so we can roughly see where the transport links are in comparison to each other - especially in the areas that everyone has recommended. Once again thanks!

I'd recommened either Braamfontein or Rosebank (both located within walking distance of the Gautrain and Rea Vaya (BRT) stations). Rosebank has the advantage of being an established tourist area close to several shopping malls and Sandton. It would appeal more to the uppermarket tourist. Braamfontein has the convenience of being close to the city centre, Newtown, Melville, access to the freeway, and has a growing theatre nightlife.

I dont know whether there is, but if somebody could point me in the direction of a diagram that shows both the Gautrain and BRT stations on a map of Joburg, so we can roughly see where the transport links are in comparison to each other - especially in the areas that everyone has recommended. Once again thanks!

Here's some important information to consider when investing


Joburg extends inner-city renewal incetive to 2014
By: Leandi Rostoll
Published: 1 Aug 08 - 0:00
The Johannesburg Urban Development Zone (UDZ) is relaunching its tax incentive to attract more inner-city investors by extending the initial deadline of 2009 by another five years, to 2014.
"Ten years ago, there was severe deterioration in the inner city. Today, it has transformed into a desirable business and residential hub with commercial and residential property prices reflecting this turnaround," says councillor Parks Tau, the member of the Johannesburg mayoral committee responsible for finance and economic development.

Tau stresses that tax incentives are of the utmost importance for economic growth and turnarounds, showcasing the inner city's redevelopment as an example of such success.

Vigorous growth is expected until 2014 owing to the increasing capital investment in the inner city during the last four year owing to the UDZ tax incentive, allowing the inner city to expand its offerings.

"The incentive now includes sectional title and shared ownership, as well as first-time buyers of new or renovated or refurbished buildings," says Inner City and Central Business District (CBD) economic development programme manager Lebo Ramoreboli.

Because the UDZ tax incentive deadline has been extended to 2014, investors now have ample time to maximise their investment in the inner city.

AngloGold Ashanti is one of the companies that have invested in the inner city's future. The mining company became the tenant of Tiber Group's new development, Turbine in May last year.

"Turbine Square is an innovative and functional building that should help to enhance positive change in the Newtown and inner city area. Our hope is that this development will help to drive and encourage similar developments within the inner city," says AngloGold Ashanti CEO Mark Cutifani.

The UDZ is part of the inner city and spans 1 800 ha and includes the traditional CBD, Joubert Park, Marshalltown, Braamfontein, Newtown, Fordsburg, Bellevue, Yeoville, Berea, Hillbrow, Troyeville, Bertrams and Doornfontein.

For first-time buyers of a newly constructed building in the inner city, the investment amount qualifying for depreciation is 55% of the purchase price, depreciated at 20% in the first year and 5% in the subsequent 16 years.

For first-time buyers who intend to renovate or refurbish a building in the inner city the investment amount that qualifies for depreciation is 30% of the purchase price, depreciated at 20% yearly for five years. A key criterion of the incentive is that all buildings in the inner city tax incentive offers must be used to generate income, ranging from rental accommodation, manufacturing and business.



Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu

IMHO I wouldnt go for anywhere in the inner city. I dont think it is ready for a Boutique Hotel as yet. There isn't as yet enough entertainment, dining, shopping etc. available which would certainly be important to the decerning tourist.
I tend to agree - rather look at Rosebank area, or even toward Parkhurst. I think Parkhurst or Parktown North area would be perfect for a Boutique Hotel.

But I also would suggest speaking to Neil Fraser.

^^ true

...boutique hotel ...I don't think the area I chose will be suitable for that, for now...

It would be interesting to see how the Mapungubwe is doing... They're pretty much a boutique hotel

Apparently Mapungubwe is doing very well, better than most guys in the area. i passed once and it was looking good.

Mapungubwe is buzzing... I had lunch in Black last week, and the restaurant was full. Most people are international business guys working with the banks (or Anglo, across the road). They had 75% occupancy during november last year. December and January is obviously slow, but the rest of the year is booming. And judging by the cars parked outside...

Ashanti and Dogon also opened across from Mapungubwe. Marshalltown is one of the safest places to be at this stage. Neighbours close to Mapungubwe? Zurich Insurance, Gauteng Departments, Nedbank, Standard Bank, BHP, Anglo (not AngloAshanti). Lots of money.

Inside Black
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00984.jpg

The Lobby
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00985.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00987.jpg

Nice pics Jakes. I wonder when other boutique restaurants will follow in that area? I think a large downfall is that the area (as in the SWID - not Newtown) doesn't really buzz at night, and I'm wondering how one could change that?

Capellos is trading untill late at night, in loveday... Picasso's stays open later on weekends. As for the rest, blugh - early closers. Ghandi Square is coming to life with Shivava etc. And obviously black is open late.

Picasso's stays open later on weekends. As for the rest, blugh - early closers. Ghandi Square is coming to life with Shivava etc.

Its great to hear that Picasso opens on weekends also, I just wonder how its doing. On fridays they have what they call "Happy Hour" between 7 and 8pm.

Shivava is really kicking.

KFC will open its doors soon at corner Eloff and Main Street making the place buzz more.

ooooo. this sounds good. Im glad that the places are happing and doing 'well'. I cant help thinking what does this area need (and town as a whole) to stay open at night and on weekends and also give it an 'edge'.

I believe:
A O'Hagans - or similar 'irish' pub.
A sushi bar
Entertainment along the lines of a bowling allie.
Cape Town Fish Market
A Moyo - or similar.
An Italian rest.
A walking tourist information place

What i dont want to see:
Any form on night club - be it classy or not - they always bring about issues
Any form of strip club or similar - bring poor light on the area
Any 'independent' bar - as they dont have the same standards as chains.
Any car dealerships - i dont know why but i just HATE car dealerships

Anything else?

It needs something, something that is unavalible in the other areas, something that will bring the people for the northern suburbs etc. I just can not put my finger on it (yet)

I'd personally love it if City Hall can host Philharmonic Orchestra performances again!! Then patrons can go have dinner or drinks afterwards at any of the other below places!

Mapungubwe is buzzing... I had lunch in Black last week, and the restaurant was full.

What is the menu like? And what was the service like?

service at black was good, the food is quite expensive (catering for the business crowd) but it is good. Salads are tasty and fresh, they have a couple of african meat dishes, and great platters. The wine bar is something to behold. It was really busy, and our waiter was helpful and friendly. Downside? They dont have wireless in the hotel - which is just insane - since it operates as a business hotel. You have internet in your room, and in the business centre, but not in the lobby.

Its great to hear that Picasso opens on weekends also, I just wonder how its doing. On fridays they have what they call "Happy Hour" between 7 and 8pm.

Shivava is really kicking.

KFC will open its doors soon at corner Eloff and Main Street making the place buzz more.


At picasso they told me that they are very busy over lunch, but quite dead from there. I was there 5:30pm on a weekday - and I was the only person in the huge restaurant. I hope they attract people. the kitchen on the second level is impressive. but it is hard to make such a big space feel cosy. If I were them, I would have opened smaller, and extended. People dont like it when there is no-one else in the place, and big restaurants make this feel worse. Vida is also not as packed as I expected it to be, but it seems more places are opening next door.

i KNOW

A drive through haircut salon

At picasso they told me that they are very busy over lunch, but quite dead from there. I was there 5:30pm on a weekday - and I was the only person in the huge restaurant. I hope they attract people. the kitchen on the second level is impressive. but it is hard to make such a big space feel cosy. If I were them, I would have opened smaller, and extended. People dont like it when there is no-one else in the place, and big restaurants make this feel worse. Vida is also not as packed as I expected it to be, but it seems more places are opening next door.

See this is again a problem, as there aren't any people "left over" in the city after hours to support them. Black will obviously have their patrons from the hotel... It is very sad, as I dont see them keeping their doors open just to cater for the lunchtime patrons... I hope I'm wrong!!

I think picasso need to advertise themselves as most people that I worked with never knew about it. That's my problem with most of the joints in Jozi CBD. With big companies like Std, ABSA and FNB, Anglo etc close to them, I will take the opportunity.

As for Vida, I'm dissapointed to hear that but when I used to work in the CBD it was half fuul most of the time. It seems like 2 places are opening on both sides of Vida and the one on the ground floor of Rand club building. The government buildings in Commisioner and closer by street are currently being renovated and that will bring more people in the CBD of which this outlets will benefit from.

Ye Waltjie I like your idea of the philharmonic performances. Also Luf's ideas.

I would suggest a whole bunch of restaurants being clustered around the Joburg City Hall, sort of like the De Waterkant area in Cape Town. One would make it an incredibly gentrified environment with tons of security and lighting, and market it as an entertainment district rather than a business lunch environment. Hopefully this would get the area buzzing at night, and have a ripple effect.

Can you imagine if one redeveloped the old post office and the barbican? Man, the area around the city hall has amazing potential... the good thing - development is creeping closer from both sides - vida is almost on the steps, with other spots like the art gallery, koffie (a coffee shop) and picasso basically being next to the city hall and post office.

Here's hoping.

Inside Black
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00984.jpg

The Lobby
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00985.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Johannesburg/DSC00987.jpg

it's so chic! :)

Signage for the new Spur in Hillbrow is up and looking very attractive (yo! Pule can you be able to hook-up pics) its called "Wild Falcon Spur" how appropriate!:hahaha: i would have called it Wild Wild West though :)

lol!! that would have been hilarious if they called it the Wild Wild West Spur :D

:lol:, Thabang I will do my brother. Do you perhaps know if there are any new resturants, clothing shops or coffee shops that might open in Hillbrow?

cool, i'll see if i can get any new stuff happening around there. :okay:

Inner-city buzz

A clear sign that the Johannesburg inner city is looking increasingly lively is the success of Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments, writes Linda Stafford


We didn't expect to bump into Standard Bank CEO Jacko Maree or Anglo American SA CEO Kuseni Dlamini - and we didn't. But we could have, because Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments in Marshalltown - on the corners of Anderson, Ferreira and Marshall streets - has become a buzzy meeting place and watering hole for the banking and mining houses of the southern Johannesburg CBD.


MAPUNGUBWE
Parking: Anderson Street, on the right after the Hollard Bridge
Tel: (011) 429-2600
Go to: www.mapungubwehotel.co.za






Since it is the only four-star hotel to have opened in the inner city in 20 years, Mapungubwe made me think of one of Sol Kerzner's last hurrahs before his casino interests were hived off from Southern Sun to become Sun International in the mid-1980s: the Johannesburg Sun in the northern CBD. But Mapungubwe, developed by Circlevest Properties out of, among others, the 1950s sandstone building known as the old French Bank, bears no resemblance to what was then the fanciest hotel in the CBD next to the Carlton.


Instead, the newcomer - it began trading late last year - is a low-key sort of place, taking its charming and seamlessly executed African theme from one of SA's premier heritage sites in Limpopo.


Operated by Fair City Hotels & Apartments, it is a sectional title hotel with 128 apartments, most of which form part of a rental pool system. There are two options: a studio or a one-bedroom, both spacious and well-equipped, with modern kitchens. Since they are comfortably appointed, if not exactly take-your-breath-away plush, I wasn't surprised to learn that an Anglo American executive had spent three months in a top-floor one-bedroom with a balcony overlooking a rather naked pool deck. I was assured by smiley GM Martin Carberry that plants are coming in time for summer.


It was also no shock to learn from Carberry that occupancies in the apartment hotel are among the highest in Gauteng.


Our first stop, the early evening of a mild Tuesday, was the Vault, which is indeed the one-time vault of the old French Bank and retains safe-deposit boxes and other atmospheric remnants. Now a whisky and (round a corner) cigar bar, it is done up in a riotous mix of the retro-continental - floral wallpaper, velvet upholstery, chandeliers - and the neo-African. And though it was by no means full, the rustle of black economic empowerment-themed chatter could be heard above the clink of ice-cubes in glasses of Johnnie Walker Black.


When it was time to go upstairs for dinner at Mapungubwe's restaurant, Black, I noticed that the narrow staircase had no rail, and pitied those who have a few too many in the Vault - especially if they are Maree's age or thereabouts.


Black is the acronym for Bistro Lounge & Cocktail Kitchen, though many would take it as a heavy handed come-on to the new elite. If the last is the real truth, it was unnecessary: the restaurant is SA demographics personified and, like the Vault, decorated in interesting if busily layered fashion.


I had lunched at Black before on a punchy and well-accompanied prawn curry (R90), my only disappointment being that except for a lone garnish, the prawns were of the ready-cleaned, deep-frozen, unpleasantly bouncy variety. But this evening, though menus were presented, the drawcard seemed to be the three-course buffet (R135/head).


I scored by choosing a mini-portion of a creamed seafood and rice main course as a starter. The selection of cold meats, cheeses and salads, including bottled beetroot, looked depressing and, according to my companion, did not exactly make his tastebuds tango. Our main course of ready-sliced lamb in a minted gravy was full of flavour but a tad tough. Though the vegetables were overcooked, we found compensation in slivers of light-as-air cheesecake and elegant Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc.


When my colleague Justice Malala visited Black (FM Life March 7), he wasn't impressed by the food, service or the (lack of a) wine list. Well, Justice, your complaints have been noted and the service is now sweet and helpful - a waiter was happy to rush off and warm our plates while we perused the buffet, though we probably were the only diners who requested this. There is a good wine list, though our first choice, Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc, had run out. And though the buffet was so-so - we had hoped for a carvery instead of a line of chafing dishes - the à la carte menu is well-balanced.


I couldn't help noticing a table of sturdy-looking women who were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Rather cheekily, I asked them where they were from. Anglo American's Sishen Mine in the Northern Cape, they told me. "We always stay here and we love it," said one, "and not only because it's across the road from Anglo."


I like it, too.



- Rates at Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments range from R850/person a night to R1 500.

Ouch. :ohno:

Rates at Mapungubwe Hotel Apartments range from R850/person a night to R1 500.


That's not so bad considering you can pay R350 at the Formula 1, R525 at the crappy Stay Easy or R850 at the even crappier Protea Wanderes.

Nice little review for Mapungubwe. Good to know they're doing well!

That's not so bad considering you can pay R350 at the Formula 1, R525 at the crappy Stay Easy or R850 at the even crappier Protea Wanderes.

Nice little review for Mapungubwe. Good to know they're doing well!

I wasn't hurt by the price... I thought it was quite a crappy review... It wouldn't have made me too excited about staying there...

Being a new hotel is not an excuse for poor quality, it needs to be top-notch!

I
Being a new hotel is not an excuse for poor quality, it needs to be top-notch!

I will say its always good to have these reviews as they enlighten us of what's happening and the reviews of Mapungubwe are bringing posetive things everytime they posted. They may have started on a wrong note but they are improving as per the article.

Yes they need to be top-notch but I believe that sooner than letter they will be.

By the way the construction is progressing well on Zurich's offices and they now on 6th floor. If anyone knows, is there gonna be phase 2 as the construction notice board says its phase 1.

I think we should not loose sight of the main part of the Mapungubwe Hotel article. it is a great review for the hotel. BLACK obviously needs to spruce up a bit, but I was there the other day and had a jol.

This was obviously written by a foodie, and you expect them to be a bit more critical.

I consider myself a bit of a foodie, and I agree with the reveiwer that Black wasn't all what it was cracked up to be. Certainly in terms of other restaurants in Joburg, it was a little overpriced for what one was getting. But I'm sure the little kinks have either been ironed out, or will be in time.

And with their occupancy rates being what they are, and talking to people (hotel Guests)when I went there 2 weeks ago - they will do great.

ARGYLE PRECINCT - DUDLEY HEIGHTS

http://www.aengus.co.za/oldsite/images/Argyle/dudley_main2.gif

Dudley Heights is Aengus’ most exclusive development yet, offering upmarket luxury apartment living, together with the convenience of city living. Its superb positioning along the Gautrain commuter belt adjacent to Parktown makes it ideal for both those who work in the city as well as along the Gautrain route.


Dudley Heights forms part of the Argyle Precinct, which includes two adjacent Aengus buildings, namely Skyways and the Argyle Centre. Dudley Heights was the first phase of units released for rental in the Argyle Precinct with over 800 applications for tenancy received within the first 4 weeks of going to market.



Each of the 223 apartments are fully furnished with ultra modern finishes including fridge/freezer, built in cupboards and strip wooden flooring, ideally suited to the young trendy professional looking for stylish living

Dudley Heights also has an environmentally friendly building design, complete with back-up generator, and pre-paid electricity meters

Services include:

- 12 channel DSTV in every room
- 24 hour security
- Biometric access control
- Intercoms linked to security
- Fully furnished units, including white goods
- A parkade
- In house laundry service
- Information for potential investors:

Development went to market in August 2008

- Situated in Parktown’s Argyle Precinct at 15 Hospital Street
- 223 units
- UDZ Tax Incentive is applicable
- Average rental of R3 600
- Average income of tenants is R12 000
- Parking is aviaialbe
- Resale not applicable
- Secondary sales not applicable

Apartments range in size from 36sqm to 80sqm.

ARGYLE PRECINCT - SKYWAYS

http://www.aengus.co.za/oldsite/images/Argyle/argyle_skyways.gif

This development is conveniently situated in Aengus’ Argyle Precinct, an entire city block located at the very hub of the Gautrain commuter belt adjacent to Parktown, making it an ideal location for those working in the city as well as those looking to commute to destinations along the Gautrain route. Skyways hopes to attract young professionals looking for secure, trendy living in an environment close to their place of employment.

Skyways forms part of the Argyle Precinct, which includes two adjacent Aengus buildings, namely Dudley Heights and the Argyle Centre. Skyways will be the second phase of units released for rental in September 2008.

As with all new Aengus developments, these 71 bachelor, studio and one-bedroom units are fully furnished with a range of contemporary furniture and white goods, including fridge, built in stove and LCD TV with DVD surround sound.

Prices start at R420 000 and extend up to R800 000.

Services include:
- 12 channel DSTV in every room
- 24 hour security
- Biometric access control
- Intercoms linked to security
- Fully furnished units, including white goods
- A parkade
- In house laundry service

Information for potential investors:
- Development is going to market in September 2008
- Situated in the Argyle Precinct at 1 Sutherland Road, Braamfontein
- 71 units
- UDZ Tax Incentive is applicable
- Average rental of R3 900
- Parking is available
- Resale not applicable
- Secondary sales not applicable


Apartments range in size from 32sqm to 41sqm.

ARGYLE PRECINCT - ARGYLE CENTRE

http://www.aengus.co.za/oldsite/images/Argyle/precinct_main.gif

The Argyle Centre consists of two buildings alongside each other, linked via a walkway to combine them into one stylish and upmarket residential block. Formerly the old Lady Dudley Nursing Home, these buildings have undergone a full conversion from a medical facility to 104 stylish and fully furnished bachelor apartments

The Argyle Centre forms part of the Argyle Precinct, which includes two adjacent Aengus buildings, namely Skyways and Dudley Heights. The Argyle Centre will be the third phase of units released for rental in the Argyle Precinct, going to market in October 2008.

They make up the north facing side of the Argyle Precinct with views looking onto Parktown North, Braamfontein and Wits University.


Services include:

- 12 channel DSTV in every room
- 24 hour security
- Biometric access control
- Intercoms linked to security
- Fully furnished units, including white goods
- A parkade
- In house laundry service


Information for potential investors:

- Development will go to market in October 2008
- Situated in the Argyle Precinct at 19 Hospital Street, Braamfontein
- 104 units
- UDZ Tax Incentive is applicable
- Average rental of R2 800
- Parking is available
- Resale not applicable
- Secondary sales not applicable

Bachelor apartments range in size from 21sqm to 40sqm.

PACE properties :applause::applause::applause:

Hhhmmm don't like the colours too much, but its certainly an improvement from before and it will bring new life to that area.

PACE properties :applause::applause::applause:

It's actually Aengus T.

Colour is not to my liking, but good nonetheless.

It's actually Aengus T.

Sorry my bad, Pace has done good job in the city though.

^^ they definately did a good job but they seems to have stalled for now. AFHCO and citry property are like the run-away fire grabbing every delapidated building.

Yesterday I went to buy a bus tag at Ghandi Square and I promise its amazing of what you can see when you walk instead of driving. There's lots of activity in the city.

Does anyone have more detailks about this district

The Retail Improvement District upgrade proposal approved

http://www.joburgcentral.co.za/images/maps/RID_zoom.jpg?PHPSESSID=65d2406a6a52fcc04dc8ee8100d4767c

The project started in July 2007 when the RID board commissioned a public space status and development plan through Kagiso Special Places (KSP), a division of Kagiso Urban Management. The objective of the Status and Development Plan was to analyse the status quo of the precinct, develop a unified vision for the future as well as an action plan to achieve this. Stage one included a detailed visioning exercise which was followed by a comprehensive status quo analysis that identified and assessed key challenges and opportunities. The analysis explored the following components:

- Town Planning: Assessment of Planning and Policy Environment
- Public Environment Assessment
- City of Johannesburg Infrastructure and Service assessment
- Existing and planned transportation and accessibility into the node
- Property context

Stage three is the implementation phased proposal comprising urban design concept, urban management, promotion and communications, informal trading proposal, and marketing and branding strategy.

The Retail Improvement District has the potential to be positioned as a key shopping, residential and commercial node for the Inner City. The implementation will see the area turning into a 24-hour living and entertainment destination, with late night shopping.

Can we get some photos of the Retail Improvement District so we can see how it changed since 2007? Thanx :) Would be awesome to have a 24/7 entertainment, residential and retail area in Joburg CBD!

^^ the physical work is only about to start, I think the SDP is the one that started in 2007.

With all nice things happening in Jozi, I'm concerned about lack of attention in the area bordered by Bree, Claim, Wolmarans and Joubert Streets. Its filthy, unattractive and deserves to be called a pigsty. This area is rarely cleaned and no attention is given to it by the city and as far as I know there are no plans even in the based on the city charter to make the place a better. This places consist of the following -

i) Park Station.
ii) 2 parks of which the one is Joubert Park.
iii) 2 taxi rank of which the one is in Wanderers street and ther other is Noord Street taxi rank.
iv) Formule 1 hotel.
v) Johannesburg Art Gallery.
vi) Joubert Park BRT Station.
vii) The bridge Shopping centre.
viii) Dri Hill.

With those, I would have prioritised the area as one of those which needs urgent attention.

I wish we could have a before-and-after for this building, it was terrible but check it now
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/8773/dsc7327zy7.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9953/dsc7329ys4.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2298/dsc7321vr3.jpg
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http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9269/dsc7320ib9.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/315/dsc7318uq6.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9155/dsc7324hu2.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2298/dsc7321vr3.jpg

Gees this one was horrible, i can remember Red-Ants taking out squatters early last year
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9585/dsc7326nv6.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/189/dsc7332qm9.jpg

Cool! It is so nice and clean!

Great improvements!

Thanks T!

I didnt even know this Newtown mall existed. I was there a few weekends back and must of missed it. I got to be honest though - i really dont like Metro Mall - looks so dark inside.

^^ I don't blame you, I see most of these when I walk instead of driving. T, I see that the building which houses the new KFC in Sauer Street is being worked on. Do you perhaps know what's coming there.

Again, there are a couple of buildings that are being renovated as you walk to Park station from JAG, I hope they clean thye mess that side.

As you drive down claim on the opposite side on BP Garage next to the taxi rank, UCKG have nicely upgraded the building on your left side and it neighbour is also being upgraded.

The buidling that house Shoprite in Pretoria Street Hillbrow is currently being renovated and the one housing KFC in the same street is under going refurbishment.

I passed by Scooters Pizza in Commisioner and it operating already.

A clothing boutique opened next to Vida in Commisioner.

Mzantsi Clothing and some other new brand of clothing have opened in Harrison Street.

Neil Fraser has confirmed that the vacant space you see when you dive down Madela bridge into Newtown will be leased to the city by Spoornet.

Eish there's just lots and lost happening in the City especially from City propoerty and AFHCO's perspective.

Hey Pule... I heard Jenny refer to you yesterday on 702. Painting the trams of joburg in cocacola colours!

^^ Thanks for the update.

I wonder whats going to go up in that vacant space that will be leased?
An extension to Brickfields? That was really successful interms of renting so i have a feeling it might be that.

Hey Pule... I heard Jenny refer to you yesterday on 702. Painting the trams of joburg in cocacola colours!

Yeah buddy it was me, Neil said he tried to get finance to bring back 2 of the old trams but he was never succesful. I believe that it is possible for them to be financed by corporates who can in turn benefit through advertising. We will talk about it when we meet him the next time as he is currently fully booked but he said he will notify me when he is free and he gave a guarantee that he will take us through a city tour. At least we will get the first hand of what is planned were.

If you guys have got for me the routes that those trams used to use, please post.

^^ Thanks for the update.

I wonder whats going to go up in that vacant space that will be leased?
An extension to Brickfields? That was really successful interms of renting so i have a feeling it might be that.

It will be a holding for long distance busses.

residentials developments have proven to be a success, projects like Brickfields have captured interests. developers and property agents must accelerate their efforts for more affordable housing. one the good exapmles is 100 Jorisson. here are some pics
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5016/dsc7395ps9.jpg

Welcome home!
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/675/dsc7437rf9.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8807/dsc7436ow6.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9093/dsc7435kp9.jpg

these types of residentials have attracted first time buyers like my friend Sakhile
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4311/dsc7418vb9.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5390/dsc7423ig3.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5697/dsc7419xv0.jpg
:cheers:

WOW! That is such a cool pad!

pimp

Fantastic! :applause:

:D

Did the appartments come with the furniture as well

^^ nope, just the basic kitchen unit

He's kitted his place out really well then! Looks good!

Sipping on a cold Fanta Pine :D

Investment is pouring in in Hillbrow, four if not more buildings are being refurbished in Pretoria and Kotze Street. in Pretoria Street food outlet, looks like its Scooters Pizza, is towards completion and I'm sure it will be opened in less than a month, Shoprite building's renovation is also towards completion and in Kotze 2 buildings are being redone. I will certainly take a walk one weekend in Hillbrow so that I can proparly see what's happening.

I don't know if I mentioned this previously but a building which houses the new KFC which is located in Sauer Street in the CBD, between Bree Street and Jeppe is currently being renovated. It used to house some filthy butchery and some other lousy shop, I'm so happy that finally that portion of that building is getting life.

^^ thanks for the update Pule. We really need a meet to take a walk around town - there is just so much happening.

True buddy but it will be best to meet and walk with Neil of whihc he is currently loaded with work but he said he will be able to see us in a couple of weeks, i hope that will be in 4 or 5 weeks unless we do our own tour.

...some filthy butchery and some other lousy shop....
and the smell used to be terrible, i hope other butcheries down Bree str towards new close too. not to mention the bottle store at the corner of Bree and West street :puke:

there's rumour that the old Horror Cafe will become Newscafe in Newtown, that could be cool. still loved the legendary Horror Cafe though. i took these on the weekend.
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9886/dsc01664wr1.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4941/dsc01660hr6.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5080/dsc01655bk7.jpg
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/4866/dsc01656gt4.jpg

Sci-Bono gonna look awesome too!
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7521/dsc01662ef9.jpg

i've always love the park next to the Civic
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4828/dsc01654kn3.jpg

not to mention the bottle store at the corner of Bree and West street :puke:

I hate that bottle store and i believe that the buildings in that corner could be used to accomodate more proper food outlets. There is a Smart Gym and there's normally some live performaces on the scape infront of smart gym.


The other nice building but which seem not to be taken care of is the one at corner of Jeppe and Sauer Street. Where King Pie is located, it actually also border Diagonal street.

By the way gents, Zurich's building in the CBD is 7 floors not 10 floors as we thought. The delapidated building we complained about close to this building is currently being worked on, I just wish the Chinese guys upgrade their buildings.

there's rumour that the old Horror Cafe will become Newscafe in Newtown, that could be cool. still loved the legendary Horror Cafe though. http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4828/dsc01654kn3.jpg

It will be great to have News Cafe there but I would like to see more venues that will cater for African Jazz, live performances, rastafarian music, poetry session etc.

^^Pule you can thank Sappi for upgrading the park...