The City of Johannesburg has initiated a comprehensive inner-city revitalisation plan aimed at transforming derelict and unsafe buildings into secure, functional spaces for businesses and families.
As part of this initiative, the City will rehabilitate buildings that have been declared uninhabitable by the courts, with the objective of leasing them to stimulate urban renewal, attract investment, drive economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
Councillor Nomoya Mnisi, MMC for Economic Development, emphasized the importance of collaboration with property owners and investors. “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. 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,” said Mnisi.
The revitalisation strategy, approved by the Mayoral Committee on 24 March 2025, 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.
Buildings Identified for Revitalisation
The City is currently prioritising buildings that have been declared unsafe and are subject to court-ordered evacuations, including:
- M.O.T.H Building – Declared unsafe; the City has been instructed to relocate occupants to temporary emergency accommodation.
- Vannin Building – Declared unsafe; evacuation and relocation in progress.
- CASA MIA – Declared unfit for habitation; occupants to be relocated.
- Delvers Building – Declared unsafe; scheduled for demolition on 20 September 2024; occupants have been evacuated.
- Remington Building – Successfully redeveloped following a court-ordered evacuation on 15 September 2023.
- Wimbledon Building (Wolmarans Street) – Declared unsafe; relocation underway.
- Big Busty Building (45 Edith Cavell Street) & Florence House (65 King George Street) – Court orders served; relocation in progress.
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.
A Collaborative Approach to Urban Renewal
In addition to reclaiming hijacked and derelict buildings, the City is also reviewing its property portfolio to enhance revenue generation and identify buildings that could be sold to private investors. This initiative includes exploring public-private partnerships for the development and maintenance of properties, as well as mixed-use developments to further unlock the City’s real estate potential.
“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.
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