New Town
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The project falls under the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the City agency that oversees the task of renovating the city and surrounding areas.
The Greater Ellis Park precinct is currently home to three international sports complexes: the Johannesburg Stadium; Ellis Park Stadium; and the city's premier Olympic-size swimming pool.
The area covers Doornfontein, Bertrams, BezuidenhoutValley, Troyeville, Judith's Paarl and Lorentzville.
For those staying longer, a trip downtown presents a different perspective on Johannesburg, and Newtown is a safe starting point.
The precinct was home to workers of all races who settled on the fringes of the mining town that sprang up soon after gold was discovered in the area in 1886.
These slums were torched by the fire brigade to prevent the spread of bubonic plague in 1904. On the razed land, Newtown was built and with its fresh produce market, power station and railway yard, it drove the development of the city.
By the 1970s, actors, artists and musicians moved into the industrial buildings as they became defunct and the cultural precinct began to take shape.
During the 1980s and the early 1990s, it was Johannesburg’s most fashionable spot where black and white trendsetters broke down racial barriers over coffee and beers.
The last decade and a half has seen much of downtown Johannesburg become rundown and derelict. But efforts by local authorities to stop the decay are starting to show results.
More visitors are crossing the elegant white NelsonMandelaBridge into the city. New bars are attracting nightlife, warehouses are being converted into loft apartments and there is a sense of renewal about Newtown.
Presiding over the culture precinct is the regal Market Theater. Built in the city’s original fruit and vegetable market, it features graceful Edwardian girders and giant curved windows.
The theater was established in 1976 as opposition to apartheid mounted. It flouted laws on racial segregation, allowing black and white actors to perform together in front of a mixed audience.
The theater continues to be at the frontline of productions that touch on the new realities of life in South Africa. Veteran thespian John Kani’s “Nothing But The Truth,” a moving play about a middle-aged man who has to come to terms with freedom after a lifetime of subservience, has just finished a second run. Works by contemporary directors such as Mike van Graan and Lara Foot Newton are also regularly shown.
Next to the theater is another Johannesburg institution — Gramadoelas, a restaurant known for its genuine South African fare.
On the menu are deep-fried crocodile nuggets, ostrich fillets and marinated slices of kudu, the majestic southern African antelope. There are traditional dishes such as Mopani worms, mogodu or unbleached tripe; and umngqusho, which is braised beef shin with maize porridge, billed as former President Nelson Mandela’s favorite dish. Its curries, a spicy beef souffle dish known as bobotie, and tomato lamb stew are a tribute to the country’s Malaysian settlers.
Owners Brian Shalkoff and Eduan Naude add their affable charms to the restaurant’s ambiance, which includes walls crowded with paintings and kitchen bric-a-brac. Tip: the best spot is a seat in the alcove with the bay windows.
The restaurant shares what was once a produce market building with the Museum Africa. Exhibits here have become sadly neglected, though the gift shop is worth a look. The museum faces Mary Fitzgerald Square, named after a particularly feisty trade unionist. The square often hosts concerts and some of the continent’s greats have performed there, including Senegal’s Ismael Lo, Fema Kuti from Nigeria and the late Lucky Dube, a South African reggae star.
For more music head to The Bassline, which over the years has hosted local legends such as jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, guitarist Louis Mhlanga and the haunting voice of Vusi Mahlasela. The Bassline is located in an attractive turn of the century brick warehouse on the edge of the Newtown lawns.
On a sunny afternoon, fashionably dressed artistes can be seen strolling across the grass or relaxing under its few trees along with other city dwellers. Nearby, young girls snap pictures of each other posing next to the bronze statue of the late Brenda Fassie, a local pop singer known as the “Madonna of the Townships.”
A visit to Newtown makes a great Saturday morning outing. You can browse among the stalls on the plaza in front of the theater or stop in at the small craft market at the Bus Factory, a renovated bus terminus.
Popping in at Xarra, an independent book store that specializes in African writers, is a must. as is taking in the scene from one the restaurants overlooking Mary Fitzgerald Square, which serve basics like burgers, salads and pizza.
Situated in an impressive old electric workshop, the Sci-Bono museum with its interactive displays will be enjoyed by children — and adults — of all ages.
Look out for the wooden posts carved into evocative faces and the other public art that adds to Newtown’s arty vibe.
Shabby in parts and gentrified in others, Newtown is a bit like New York’s EastVillage with Covent Garden aspirations. Full of creative potential, it has an exciting energy that is the spirit of Johannesburg.
If You Go…
GETTING AROUND: The Newtown Cultural Precinct covers an area that stretches from the railway line to the north, the M2 freeway in the south, West Street in the east and Quinn Street in the west. The best approach is from the north over the NelsonMandelaBridge.
TIPS: There is plenty of safe parking behind the Market Theater in Miriam Makeba Street. It is safe to walk around Newtown but advisable to leave valuables behind at your accommodation.
To find out what’s showing consult the arts listings in local newspapers.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
At the turn of the 20th century, the Newtown Precinct was originally known as the Brickfields. This area was rich in clay, brick making became the most popular form of generating income, and even better if an individual had their own clay mixer for making bricks. By 1896, about 7 000 people of all races lived in the Brickfields area, later named Burghersdorp.
As this land was close to the centre of Johannesburg and the railway line, many businesses and immigrants coming from overseas bought stands in Burghersdorp. Soon, trading companies, banks, brick companies, a brewery, and fisheries moved into the area. Many Indians set up shops and eateries along Locatie (now known as Carr Street), which led to the station.
In April 1904, the fire brigade set the area alight destroying everything in the inferno - a measure to combat the bubonic plague that had broken out. The area was surveyed, re-planned in unbecoming haste and renamed Newtown by October 1904. A commercial area where vast fortunes in milling, production of sugar and food merchandising would come to existence. Newtown has now become synonymous with the heritage and culture of South Africa and especially Johannesburg. Hence it is universally known as the Cultural Precinct.
LOCATION
Located in the western sector of the Johannesburg city centre, covering an area that stretches from the marshalling yards and railway lines to the north, the M2 motor-way in the south, West Street in the east and Quinn Street in the west.
Capitalising on Newtown's history as the hub of exchange and the original centre of Johannesburg, the redevelopment of Newtown has been identified as a key focus area with the potential to attract major investment, particularly in creative industries, culture and tourism. Newtown is being developed into a vibrant, mixed-use area with a unique character based on existing cultural facilities. Think of the indelible Kippies, the world renowned Market Theatre, the buzz of Nikki's Oasis and Couch and Coffee, the grooving to numerous international artists who have graced Newtown Music Centre (formerly Mega Music) and not forgetting the unique shopping experience of the OrientalPlaza just around the corner.
This destination is now easier to reach with the construction of the NelsonMandelaBridge and associated N1 / Carr Street interchange. The NelsonMandelaBridge is the new gateway from the north and is able to carry up to 3000 cars per hour. Co-funded by Blue IQ, the City of Johannesburg, National Roads Agency and the National Department of Transport, this pedestrian and vehicle link provides improved access for local national and international tourists.
- New Carr Street Interchange
- MandelaBridge
- Old Railway Station
- Metro Market
- New Residential Development
- Africa Cultural Centre & Children's Museum
- Market Theatre Precinct
- MuseuMAfrica
- Mary Fitzgerald Square
- Dance Centre
- Worker's Library & Museum
- Multimedia Centre
- Turbine Hall & Boiler House
- Mega Music
- Dance Factory
- Sci-bono discovery centre
- SABMuseum
- Reserve Bank
- Bus Factory
FEATURES OF NEWTOWN
- An architecturally unique bridge, NelsonMandelaBridge, plus related interchange.
- A massive transport interchange and trading complex catering to public transport users.
- Housing developments for mixed-income tenants.
- Public sector funding from Blue IQ, City of Johannesburg, National Roads Agency and National Department of Transport in excess of R400-million.
CLEAN AND SAFE
The establishment of a City Improvement District, installation of CCTV, upgrading of existing buildings and public open spaces have turned Newtown into a safe, secure and attractive environment. Mary Fitzgerald Square constantly hosts public performances and gatherings. With lighting designed by renowned French Lighting designer, Patrick Rimoux and made possible by funding from the French Institute, Newtown has been transformed into a well-lit attractive destination.
CLUSTERING OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Newtown is strategically positioned in the Johannesburg metropolitan context, within reach of a broad spectrum of city users and close to the SABC, the national broadcaster. There are opportunities for investment in the creative industries, specifically film television, music, as well as for recording and production, crafts and design, multi-media and information technology.
CREATING A CRITICAL MASS
Over 2 200 new housing units, providing a range of accommodation, are planned in the form of Transport House, Metro Mall, Brickfields and Tribunal Gardens. COPE and the Johannesburg Housing Company have already developed the CarrGardens and NewtownUrbanVillage offering mixed-income housing and are currently fully let. Land, and under-utilised buildings, largely owned by the public sector, offer excellent opportunities for new developments. Infrastructure capacity to support new development exists. A fast-track planning approval system offering appropriate and substantial development rights has been established by the local authority to support property development in the area.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Opportunities to rehabilitate, re-use and revamp redundant buildings.
- Investment opportunities in cultural tourism and creative industries.
- Economic opportunities for informal enterprises.
- Support services to creative industries.
- Hotels, restaurants and retail opportunities.
NELSONMANDELABRIDGE
The NelsonMandelaBridge is a landmark gateway into Newtown. The 295 metre long, cable-stayed bridge can accommodate over 3 000 vehicles per hour. In order to cater for the walking visitor, the bridge has pedestrian walkways and when lit, provides a spectacular new element to the Joburg skyline.
The bridge spans the main Braamfontein railway yards, forming part of the new link joining Braamfontein in the north and Newtown in the south. The former state president Nelson Mandela officially opened the bridge on 20 July 2003, two days after his 85th birthday.
LAUNCH OF THE BRIDGE
- The total cost of the bridge is R120-million and construction took 18 months, after an international design competition.
- It is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southern Africa (295 metres long)
- The bridge was implemented under the guidance of South African National Roads Agency, Goba Moahlodi-Keeve Steyn Inc were the consulting engineers.
- The main contractor for the bridge was LBA Consortium, a consortium between Grinaker-LTA, BCW joint venture and the Nelson Mandela Bridge Consultants Consortium.
- Bridge was launched with a festival of running - Blue IQ Joburg City Challenge consisting of a 21km half marathon, 10km road race, 5km fun run, 4OOm race for children and a celebrity race.
M1/CARR STREET INTERCHANGE
The on/off ramps have greatly improve access to Newtown from the south, east and west of Joburg. Previously, one would have had to use the off-ramp at Smit Street to gain access to Newtown. With the new interchange, northbound traffic can gain easier access and exit into Newtown. This improves the link to other important tourist destinations in Soweto, GoldReefCity and the west of Joburg.
METRO MALL
Should you have the pleasure of visiting Newtown using public transport, you will probably alight at the built Metro Mall. Opened in January 2003, this multi-million rand public transport and shopping complex has some of Joburg's unique public art on display. Ranging from life-size sculptures, murals, mosaic and installations, the artworks are a fitting tribute to the numerous artists who work in Newtown and around Joburg and help to enhance the shopper's experience.
Once inside, the buzz will keep you enthralled for hours. Feel free to shop for anything from the latest CD's to fresh vegetables. There is even a wholesaler on site to cater for the growing demands of commuters as well as the growing number of residents in Newtown. At lunchtime, book yourself a seat at the food hall located on the second level of Metro Mall. The food on offer is traditional local cuisine prepared under the watchful eye of the environmental health ministry, not that it is necessary, but it provides a piece of mind for the numerous visitors to Newtown. Metro Mall is situated between Simmonds, Sauer, West and Pimm streets and incorporates the Bree Street taxi rank.
Open daily 6am - 10pm
MALL STATISTICS
- Metro Mall was built at a cost of R100-million and is managed by the Metropolitan Trading Company.
- It has three levels - an integrated transport facility for approximately 3 000 vehicles, a trader's market and formal retail shops along Bree Street.
- Some funds from the development budget were set aside for the public artworks on display at the mall.
- An estimated 150 000 daily taxi and bus commuters go through Metro Mall.
- This development accommodates 600 informal traders, 3 000m² of formal retail space as well as six hundred units of mixed income housing.
NEWTOWN MUSIC CENTRE (FORMERLY MEGA MUSIC) The Newtown music centre has long been a popular venue for music concerts, recording launches and performances. It has recently been refurbished and is now under management of the Music Industry Development Initiative (MIDI) Trust.
It is open for business and can be used for music rehearsals and dance training space, and has a resource centre. Great musicians like Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Letta Mbulu, Sipho Hostix Mabuse, Salif Keita, Taria Maria and M'chelle N'dege O'chello, to name a few, have graced the stage of the music hall, which has also played host to varied genres of music, from hip-hop, mbaqanga, soukos, jazz, kwaito and kwasa kwasa. Under the management of the MIDI Trust, the Newtown Music Centre and indeed Newtown, holds a promising future for both established and up-and-coming performing artists. Umoja-The Show, the internationally acclaimed musical has also performed at this venue.
The venue is also used for training for music and related industry stakeholders.
Open Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm
The Venue
- Acts as the head office for the MIDI Trust which emphasises training and education, information dissemination and industry development.
- Offers training and conferencing facilities.
- The music hall has capacity to hold 1000 spectators.
- R3,5-million was spent to refurbish this venue.
- Has state of the art recording studios for professional and demo recordings.
MUSEUMAFRICA
Situated in the heart of the Newtown Cultural Precinct, MuseuMAfricA is Johannesburg's premier history museum. The museum is housed in what was once the city's first fruit and vegetable market, a building constructed for this purpose in 1913 and which, at the time, was a fine example of the advances made in industrial building techniques. In the early 1905, the market building was imaginatively adapted to house MuseuMAfricA, a new museum that opened its doors in 1994, the year of South Africa's first non-racial democratic elections. Conceived in the midst of the country's political transition to democracy, the museum's permanent displays focus on the history of Johannesburg in the 20th century.