In eastern Johannesburg, a tower crane rises above the landscape, marking the center of the future high-rise Bertrams Multipurpose Centre.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure development arm, has been making steady progress on the construction of the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre.
This R220 million, state-of-the-art facility is located in Bertrams, one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs. The facility is set to become a landmark hub for social development and community engagement in Region F, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the area.
The Bertrams Multipurpose Centre, situated on the eastern edge of the Inner-City Central Business District, is designed to offer a range of services aimed at uplifting and empowering local residents.
The eco-conscious building will house a variety of facilities, including a community hall, youth and skills development areas, a women’s empowerment centre, and support for senior citizens. In addition, it will feature a basketball court, greenhouses, childcare facilities, and spaces dedicated to early childhood development.
The JDA has prioritised sustainability in the design of the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre, ensuring that the facility incorporates green elements that promote energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
The building will feature ample daylight through extensive glazing, along with vertical gardens and a street-facing agricultural space with hydroponic and aquaponic training facilities. These initiatives are part of the City of Joburg’s commitment to sustainable urban development and align with the Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy.
Strategically located near public transport services such as Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), buses, and taxi routes, the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre will be easily accessible to residents from surrounding areas like Jeppestown, Troyeville, New Doornfontein, and Kensington.
The project also forms part of the larger revitalization of the Greater Ellis Park sports precinct, aimed at creating an interconnected hub for sports, education, and residential activities. The construction of the Bertrams Multipurpose Centre underscores the City’s goal of fostering local economic development and promoting social cohesion.
Through this project, the City is meeting its 30% local spend policy by involving Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and creating employment opportunities for local contractors. To date, eight SMMEs and 25 local workers have been appointed to support the project.
“The JDA remains committed to delivering on its vision of a competitive, resilient Johannesburg. The Bertrams Multipurpose Centre is a key part of this vision, bringing valuable social infrastructure to the heart of the community,” JDA CEO Mr Themba Mathibe noted.
“This facility is more than just a building — it’s a vital investment in the community, promoting local economic growth and social development. The JDA is focused on building infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for all Joburg residents, and this project is a prime example of that vision in action,” he noted.
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