Johannesburg Unveils Revitalisation Plan to Transform Unsafe Inner-City Buildings

City of Johannesburg

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has unveiled a revitalisation plan for transforming derelict and unsafe inner-city buildings. According to the CoJ, the plan aims to turn these structures into “secure, functional spaces for businesses and families”. This bold initiative comes as a response to court orders declaring many buildings uninhabitable, prompting the relocation of residents to temporary accommodation. By rehabilitating these properties, the city intends to lease them out, attract investment, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities in the heart of Johannesburg by 2025.

A Long-Term Vision for Urban Renewal

The revitalisation strategy is led by the Strategic Projects Unit and reflects a coordinated, long-term approach to reclaiming the inner city. “The revitalisation strategy…is spearheaded by the Strategic Projects Unit. It represents a coordinated, long-term approach to reclaiming the inner city, backed by cross-departmental collaboration, clear governance, and active private sector engagement,” the CoJ said. This multi-faceted plan tackles the growing problem of hijacked and neglected buildings that have plagued Johannesburg for years.

Several inner-city buildings have been earmarked for this project, with specific actions already underway:

•   M.O.T.H Building – Declared unsafe; occupants are being relocated to temporary emergency accommodation.
•   Vannin Building – Declared unsafe; evacuation and relocation efforts are in progress.
•   CASA MIA – Deemed unfit for habitation; plans are in place to relocate residents.
•   Delvers Building – Declared unsafe and scheduled for demolition on 20 September 2024; occupants have already been evacuated.
•   Remington Building – Successfully redeveloped after a court-ordered evacuation on 15 September 2023, setting a precedent for the plan.
•   Wimbledon Building (Wolmarans Street) – Declared unsafe; relocation is currently underway.
•   Big Busty Building (45 Edith Cavell Street) & Florence House (65 King George Street) – Court orders have been served, and relocation efforts are ongoing.

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

Partnering with the Private Sector

A cornerstone of this revitalisation plan is collaboration with private investors and property owners. The city is identifying properties it owns to sell to private buyers while fostering private-public partnerships to breathe new life into the inner city. MMC for Economic Development, Nomoya Mnisi, has urged property owners to join the effort. “Johannesburg’s inner city holds immense potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years. As property owners, you are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising, and reimagining our city,” Mnisi said.

She emphasized the role of the Joburg Property Company in facilitating these partnerships. “Through the Joburg Property Company, the City is committed to working with investors and property owners – not against them – to unlock value and drive economic and social development,” Mnisi added. The city is also focused on reclaiming hijacked buildings that have become hotspots for crime and decay. “As a City, we are actively identifying and reclaiming hijacked buildings, but we also acknowledge the critical role of the private sector. Urban renewal is a shared responsibility, and through collaboration, we can restore Johannesburg’s inner city to its former glory,” Mnisi concluded.

Tackling the Housing Crisis Head-On

Johannesburg’s inner city has long grappled with a housing crisis, with thousands of people living in unsafe and overcrowded buildings. The revitalisation plan seeks to address this by transforming derelict structures into viable living and working spaces. Beyond the buildings listed, the city is also responding to a recent fire at the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown, which claimed 77 lives in August 2023. This tragedy underscored the urgency of addressing unsafe living conditions and has added momentum to the revitalisation efforts.

The city’s temporary accommodation solutions, while a step forward, have sparked debate. Over 600 housing units are available or nearing completion, but some residents and activists argue that more permanent low-income housing is needed. The Constitutional Court has previously ruled that the CoJ must provide alternative accommodation for evicted residents, a mandate this plan aims to meet while pushing for broader urban renewal.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

The revitalisation plan is more than a housing fix—it’s an economic booster. By rehabilitating unsafe buildings and leasing them to businesses and families, the city hopes to attract investment and create employment opportunities. Estimates suggest that redeveloping just a fraction of Johannesburg’s 600+ derelict buildings could generate thousands of jobs in construction, property management, and related sectors. The plan also aims to revitalise commercial hubs, making the inner city a thriving centre for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Recent data highlights the scale of the challenge: over 130 buildings in Johannesburg have been classified as “problematic” or hijacked, with many posing serious health and safety risks. The revitalisation effort could unlock billions of rands in property value, boosting the city’s tax base and funding further development.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite its promise, the plan faces hurdles. Funding remains a concern, with the city relying heavily on private investment to supplement its budget. Logistical challenges, such as relocating residents and demolishing condemned structures, also complicate the timeline. Community resistance is another factor—some occupants fear losing their homes without clear guarantees of better alternatives.

The city has acknowledged these issues and is working to build trust. Public consultations and transparent communication will be key to ensuring the plan’s success. The Strategic Projects Unit is also exploring innovative financing models, such as tax incentives for investors, to keep the momentum going.