CITICHAT 42/2002 - 25 October 2002
INNER CITY LIVING – A CONVERGENCE OF POSITIVES?
For years we received little to no interest from investors, I’m excluding the committed providers, JHC, Cope and others, who are at one end of the spectrum, or slumlords on the other, relative to the provision of residential accommodation in the inner city. Red lining, lack of ability to raise finance, problems with tenants, inability to make sense of returns on conversions of buildings from commercial/industrial to residential. Residential development in the city, are you nuts???!!!
Now if a day passes without us receiving at least one enquiry in regard to some aspect of housing, it’s a miracle. Where, what level, what mix, how, how much? How do I get involved in the Better Buildings Programme? This week an agent advertised a loft apartment in the heart of the city and had over forty replies. Gerald Olitzki told me this week that he had let the last of his roof-top ‘loft’ spaces. The doyen of inner city pad-in-the sky- living, Richard Yell, has attracted a good deal of media interest this year which in turn has increasingly attracted inquiries as to how, where and how much? His own pad in the sky provides a spectacular view overlooking the city and particularly Newtown to the west. Comments he has received include the following amongst many:
“Can you please furnish me with more info about moving back into the city. I think JHB CBD in a few years time will be back to its former glory and hopefully a city that can provide the same hustle, bustle and atmosphere as any large city overseas.”
“ I am glad to see that I am not the only one who gets all sentimental about Joburg’s CBD and the rich heritage of our city. I work in stale Rivonia and every evening make my way back to Illovo – the closest I can get to city living at the moment. At least once a month I do find myself either driving or walking through the streets of Joburg town – I can’t get enough of the architecture and the unique vibe of Jozi.”
“I’m looking to buy an apartment in downtown jo’berg” “I have long been keen on the idea of buying a renovateable building “ “ I have been thinking of the possibility of buying a building and converting it into a number of apartment" ”I have been wanting to find a place in the city for a long time” “I am looking for a place to buy and am very interested in moving into a top floor apartment in the CBD"
I think we are on the brink of a housing explosion that will strengthen the strong current upswing in property interest in the city. And it is a move from lower end housing to much needed middle income.
It also appears that mixed income housing is becoming an important feature of urban redevelopment in US cities. An article in ‘Urban Land’ earlier this year detailed how blending subsidised and market rate housing is avoiding the concentration of poverty found in past projects of purely subsidised housing. The article states that whilst the mix of incomes varies by project, the current target should be one third low-income, one third tax-credit range (low to moderate income) and one third market rate - “this proportion provides a graduated income mix that has shown a greater degree of success in mixed use developments.”
The article also puts its finger firmly on the most critical factor in inner city housing – professional management. “Professional management is considered crucial to the success of mixed-income communities – including effective safety measures and consistent security implemented by on-site staff, security guards or electronic surveillance. Also important are timely maintenance, noise control and a clear set of rules that are enforced quickly and routinely for all tenants. It is critical that management be on top of every issue and it is essential that everyone is treated the same” comments one developer.
Sounds like home to me! In fact, in recognition of the critical role that management needs to play, a new organisation the Property Owners and Managing Agents Association has very recently been established in the Inner City and already has some twenty members. More about them in a future issue of Citichat.
Paul Grogan and Tony Proscio in their book “Comeback Cities: A Blueprint for Urban Neighbourhood Revival” published a couple of years ago, pointed out that at the core of the revivals they had documented were what they called “a surprising convergence of positives”. Just some of the positives they recorded were public-private partnerships with banks, foundations, corporations and government agencies to build thousands of housing units; the slow return of business to abandoned business districts; lower crime rates than ever before and the unshackling of inner-city life from giant bureaucracies. This last issue is the one which is still of concern and the much publicised poor performance of Council relative to rates and service charges must not be allowed to dampen the opportunities and interest that housing is engendering.
I like that phrase, “a surprising convergence of positives” although in our case it is hardly surprising, it’s a convergence that has been waiting to happen.
See ya in the city! Regards, neil
Friday, October 25, 2002
Friday, October 18, 2002
Art Citichat 18 October 2002
CITICHAT 41/2002 - 18 October 2002
ART
TAKING THE TOUR
Once a week over the past month or so I’ve found myself taking a busload of folks on the JHBARTCITY route. The original objectives of JHBARTCITY were two-fold, the promotion of contemporary South African Art and artists to the public at large and the showcasing of the numerous current projects underway in the inner city. It has been interesting to gauge the reaction of what have been predominantly Northern suburbs folks to both. In almost every case it has been one of genuine surprise at and positive reaction to what is actually happening on the ground, which certainly vindicates the second of our objectives. But it is also clear that, for our first objective to be equally successful, the “tour guide” needs to be a great deal more knowledgeable on art than moi! It is also difficult to have a meaningful discussion about Lesheba 1 (a landscape by JW van Bergen which is mounted on a huge billboard) when the bus is hurtling over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and you are also trying to point out the benefit to the city and the technical details of the Nelson Mandela Bridge on the other side of the painting. So back to the drawing board on that one!
But each tour seems to develop its own character, obviously influenced by the type of people who make up the group and their reaction to different offerings. Some weeks ago, one tour of generally mid 30 year olds ended in great hilaritywhen we stopped at the Faraday muti-market to show where the new project to house the muti market, the associated traditional medicine and healing industry, taxis et al is under construction. A large and verbose Zulu lady provided a rather graphic demonstration of the effects of her home made Viagra potion – and yes, she did find one buyer! She didn’t let the ladies off either as she berated them in a stream of Zulu for not investing in her home-brewed potions designed to inflame their male admirers. This Wednesday’s group was from the conference industry starting on Constitutional Hill with a glass of bubbly, a short stop for snacks and beer at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown, dinner and wine at the Rand Club and a nightcap at the revamped Top of the Carlton – much merriment by all, but also achieving our objective of showcasing new projects and dispelling pre-conceptions of the lack of safety in the city. This latter tour was organised by Beryl Porter, well known for her slick organisation. So, there’s a great idea for this year’s festive season – a year-end office function with a difference! Just find another guide and make sure the bus is air-conditioned!
One of the places we always briefly stop at on these tours and to which I encourage folk to come back to, park off in, and really enjoy, is the revamped SA Eagle Square. The square is a wonderful example of how essential good urban and landscape design is in the whole process of city revitalisation. It also pays tribute to the vision of a company that decided to not only remain in the city but to actively invest in upgrading its immediate public domain to the benefit of all city users. Hollard Street was closed to traffic quite a few decades ago but the whole area declined as paved surfaces were allowed to deteriorate, lighting became inadequate and its water features eventually became waterless and thus unofficially expropriated as skateboard ramps - complete with graffiti. SA Eagle could have justifiably taken the same route as so many others, moving to the banality of the new business nodes. They chose to stay and contribute to the well being of the city. I couldn’t provide a better word picture of the end result than which the consultants, Green Inc, have provided, so I reproduce it below. I must however add that just exploring the superb detailing of the finished product is well worth the visit and will bring you back for more. This is as good as anything I’ve seen anywhere!
“The design challenge was to ensure a robust space while at the same time celebrating the surrounding urban environment and city life. It was deemed important to make the space as people-friendly as possible, so extra attention was paid to the detailing of seating and lighting.
Custom-made oval concrete benches were placed around the retained trees. Built-in benches placed diagonally across the space were linked by strips of mosaic inlay by artist Marco Cianfanelli. The mosaic depicts various scenes from life in Johannesburg (including a portrait of Nelson Mandela) overlaid over the grid of its street map. Lighting was designed into both seating types, and steel mast lights with icons that also relate to Johannesburg were designed for the space. The space is beautifully lit at night, which adds to the safety of this space.
The new paving specified for the square comprises alternating bands of different coloured cobbles. A panel of honed sandstone tiles forms the base onto which a sculpture by Marco Cianfelli casts an eagle shadow. A new entrance canopy was designed for the building and a new bus shelter installed.”
So there you have it. The city is not just being revitalised, it is being done with quality!
And talking of quality, there is a retrospective of the South African expressionist Gladys Mgudlandlu at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Klein Street which is really worth a visit. Guided tours can be arranged phone 011-725 31130/3184
Remember the Chagall display at the Standard Bank Gallery (corner Simmonds and Frederick Streets) a couple of years ago that drew large numbers? Well they are now hosting a collection of the later works of Joan Miro the avant-garde Spanish artist. Phone 011-636.4231.
Miro, SA Eagle Square and Mgudlandlu at the JAG, what a great combination for an afternoon visit! I just LOVE this city, cheers, neil
ART
TAKING THE TOUR
Once a week over the past month or so I’ve found myself taking a busload of folks on the JHBARTCITY route. The original objectives of JHBARTCITY were two-fold, the promotion of contemporary South African Art and artists to the public at large and the showcasing of the numerous current projects underway in the inner city. It has been interesting to gauge the reaction of what have been predominantly Northern suburbs folks to both. In almost every case it has been one of genuine surprise at and positive reaction to what is actually happening on the ground, which certainly vindicates the second of our objectives. But it is also clear that, for our first objective to be equally successful, the “tour guide” needs to be a great deal more knowledgeable on art than moi! It is also difficult to have a meaningful discussion about Lesheba 1 (a landscape by JW van Bergen which is mounted on a huge billboard) when the bus is hurtling over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and you are also trying to point out the benefit to the city and the technical details of the Nelson Mandela Bridge on the other side of the painting. So back to the drawing board on that one!
But each tour seems to develop its own character, obviously influenced by the type of people who make up the group and their reaction to different offerings. Some weeks ago, one tour of generally mid 30 year olds ended in great hilaritywhen we stopped at the Faraday muti-market to show where the new project to house the muti market, the associated traditional medicine and healing industry, taxis et al is under construction. A large and verbose Zulu lady provided a rather graphic demonstration of the effects of her home made Viagra potion – and yes, she did find one buyer! She didn’t let the ladies off either as she berated them in a stream of Zulu for not investing in her home-brewed potions designed to inflame their male admirers. This Wednesday’s group was from the conference industry starting on Constitutional Hill with a glass of bubbly, a short stop for snacks and beer at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown, dinner and wine at the Rand Club and a nightcap at the revamped Top of the Carlton – much merriment by all, but also achieving our objective of showcasing new projects and dispelling pre-conceptions of the lack of safety in the city. This latter tour was organised by Beryl Porter, well known for her slick organisation. So, there’s a great idea for this year’s festive season – a year-end office function with a difference! Just find another guide and make sure the bus is air-conditioned!
One of the places we always briefly stop at on these tours and to which I encourage folk to come back to, park off in, and really enjoy, is the revamped SA Eagle Square. The square is a wonderful example of how essential good urban and landscape design is in the whole process of city revitalisation. It also pays tribute to the vision of a company that decided to not only remain in the city but to actively invest in upgrading its immediate public domain to the benefit of all city users. Hollard Street was closed to traffic quite a few decades ago but the whole area declined as paved surfaces were allowed to deteriorate, lighting became inadequate and its water features eventually became waterless and thus unofficially expropriated as skateboard ramps - complete with graffiti. SA Eagle could have justifiably taken the same route as so many others, moving to the banality of the new business nodes. They chose to stay and contribute to the well being of the city. I couldn’t provide a better word picture of the end result than which the consultants, Green Inc, have provided, so I reproduce it below. I must however add that just exploring the superb detailing of the finished product is well worth the visit and will bring you back for more. This is as good as anything I’ve seen anywhere!
“The design challenge was to ensure a robust space while at the same time celebrating the surrounding urban environment and city life. It was deemed important to make the space as people-friendly as possible, so extra attention was paid to the detailing of seating and lighting.
Custom-made oval concrete benches were placed around the retained trees. Built-in benches placed diagonally across the space were linked by strips of mosaic inlay by artist Marco Cianfanelli. The mosaic depicts various scenes from life in Johannesburg (including a portrait of Nelson Mandela) overlaid over the grid of its street map. Lighting was designed into both seating types, and steel mast lights with icons that also relate to Johannesburg were designed for the space. The space is beautifully lit at night, which adds to the safety of this space.
The new paving specified for the square comprises alternating bands of different coloured cobbles. A panel of honed sandstone tiles forms the base onto which a sculpture by Marco Cianfelli casts an eagle shadow. A new entrance canopy was designed for the building and a new bus shelter installed.”
So there you have it. The city is not just being revitalised, it is being done with quality!
And talking of quality, there is a retrospective of the South African expressionist Gladys Mgudlandlu at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Klein Street which is really worth a visit. Guided tours can be arranged phone 011-725 31130/3184
Remember the Chagall display at the Standard Bank Gallery (corner Simmonds and Frederick Streets) a couple of years ago that drew large numbers? Well they are now hosting a collection of the later works of Joan Miro the avant-garde Spanish artist. Phone 011-636.4231.
Miro, SA Eagle Square and Mgudlandlu at the JAG, what a great combination for an afternoon visit! I just LOVE this city, cheers, neil
Friday, October 11, 2002
Common Purpose Citichat 11 October 2002
CITICHAT 40/2002 - 11 October 2002
A COMMON PURPOSE
When I first started writing Citichat, probably some five years ago now, it was largely through frustration. In those days, the media didn’t appear to be interested in publishing any ‘good news’ about the city, as minimal as this might have been then. Citichat’s objective was to spread as broadly as possible, the positives that the city offered as well as to make known the small victories which were being gained. The city critics and deprecators needed to know that there were processes being put in place, strategies being developed and people still committed to the revival of the city. Over the years, as the strategies that were put in place started to kick in, as political commitment to the city’s revival became more real and tangible and the victories considerably larger and more frequent, Citichat’s focus broadened. By reflecting on what might be relevant and irrelevant in other cities in South Africa, Africa and many other parts of the world, Citichat has tried to expose readers to the complexities of cities and the Inner City of Johannesburg in particular. In the past two years it has increasingly recorded the good and the bad in the Inner City. The good has highlighted projects, people, processes and organisations that have and are making a difference. One such organisation is relatively new in the city and not yet as well known as it deserves. It is an organisation called “Common Purpose” that I believe will increasingly play a critical role in equipping ‘leaders’ with a greater understanding of the dynamics of the city.
I was first exposed to the organisation when it was still in its formative stage in 2000. when I was visited by one of its UK staff who explained the aims and objectives of the organisation. I later met its South African Programme Director, Brian Scheepers. Common Purpose had been established in the late ‘80s and was operating in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Many thousands had already participated in its programmes. Its aims were:-
• to invest in communities by giving emerging leaders from every part of society the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to benefit those communities.
• to initiate greater cross-sector communication, so stimulating more effective cross sector working
• to inspire emerging leaders to find new and collaborative solutions to problems in their own organisations and in the wider context.
I immediately identified with the aims of the organisation . In a funny way and at a far higher and more intense level they were similar to those of Citichat, though obviously through a vastly different, focused and more intensive and effective process. Citichat, like Common Purpose, aims to provide a greater understanding of the context in which we operate, Citichat informally by presenting all possible aspects of the city. Common Purpose by “creating an open outward-looking network characterised by enthusiasm, synergy and commitment, promoting the transferability of talent and ideas from one city to the next in order to maximise the benefits.”
Common Purpose brings together groups of carefully chosen people and exposes them uniquely to the workings of the society in which we function. Carefully selected from public and private and non-profit sectors, it brings together people who are in or on the threshold of leadership and develops them to be more effective. These are people who have the potential to make a difference in their own organisations, in the community and in society as a whole thus, of particular interest for me, in the city. They are exposed together in a highly structured way to leaders, opinion makers, processes, organisations and places that are part of or are currently shaping the world about us. The process promotes open, critical analysis of all of these thus facilitating an understanding of the context in which they operate and encouraging participants to look for new and collaborative solutions to the issues that they are confronted with.
The organisations’s literature describes their leadership programmes as “delivered in a unique way because they are rooted in the community. This doubles the return on investment, resulting in better leaders and stronger communities. The community is both our subject and our venue. Participants don’t just sit in meeting rooms doing exercises. They go out into the surrounding area and consider society’s real issues and problems first hand. They visit businesses, prisons, housing developments, hospitals, plants. They discover that many of the issues they are grappling with are common to all sectors. Together, they tackle live issues with other leaders, including the people who carry real –life responsibility for them.”
So what does a Common Purpose programme look like in practice? This past year, the second in which During 2002, the Matrix programme “for emerging leaders in their cities, towns or areas” has been offered for the second year. It started with a residential workshop over two days in February. Each succeeding month a one day intensive session is held. This year these have focused on Economy and Employment; Education and Technology; Housing and Homelessness; Governance; Health and Social Services; Crime and Justice; Planning and the Environment; Poverty and Social Inclusion; Arts Culture and the Media.
Taking the Matrix Governance Programme Day as an example, (08h00 start finishing with dinner at 19h15) the programme consists of briefings, panel discussions, conversations with business leaders, a keynote address, positions exercises on governance related issues, site visits, a corporate governance case study, group led discussions etc.
Two new Common Purpose programmes are being introduced, The first of these is ‘Navigator’, targeting persons under 30 who hold key positions in the public private and not-for-profit sectors and who have been identified as having high potential in their chosen field. An intensive five day residential programme (this year November 4th to 8th in Johannesburg) will expose participants to behind the scenes views of how society works, encourage them to challenge and debate with leaders in various fields and to “step out of their comfort zones and to explore the scope of leadership and creativity.”
The second new programme is “Your Turn” and this is aimed at 15 year olds and challenges potential future leaders to think about their town or city and the world about them in new ways. They are exposed to current decision makers in all walks of society
Much of the foundational success of this, in South Africa, very new organisation which has and is contributing to greater understanding of the city and the broader world in which it operates, is due to the passionate commitment of its first South African Programme Director, Brian Scheepers. Brian passed away a few weeks ago after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He passion for the objectives of the organisation will live on through each Common Purpose programme participant whose personal boundaries will be expanded, capacity to lead strengthened and ability to contribute practically to the communities they serve enhanced. Ave atque vale, Brian!
Regards, neil.
A COMMON PURPOSE
When I first started writing Citichat, probably some five years ago now, it was largely through frustration. In those days, the media didn’t appear to be interested in publishing any ‘good news’ about the city, as minimal as this might have been then. Citichat’s objective was to spread as broadly as possible, the positives that the city offered as well as to make known the small victories which were being gained. The city critics and deprecators needed to know that there were processes being put in place, strategies being developed and people still committed to the revival of the city. Over the years, as the strategies that were put in place started to kick in, as political commitment to the city’s revival became more real and tangible and the victories considerably larger and more frequent, Citichat’s focus broadened. By reflecting on what might be relevant and irrelevant in other cities in South Africa, Africa and many other parts of the world, Citichat has tried to expose readers to the complexities of cities and the Inner City of Johannesburg in particular. In the past two years it has increasingly recorded the good and the bad in the Inner City. The good has highlighted projects, people, processes and organisations that have and are making a difference. One such organisation is relatively new in the city and not yet as well known as it deserves. It is an organisation called “Common Purpose” that I believe will increasingly play a critical role in equipping ‘leaders’ with a greater understanding of the dynamics of the city.
I was first exposed to the organisation when it was still in its formative stage in 2000. when I was visited by one of its UK staff who explained the aims and objectives of the organisation. I later met its South African Programme Director, Brian Scheepers. Common Purpose had been established in the late ‘80s and was operating in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Many thousands had already participated in its programmes. Its aims were:-
• to invest in communities by giving emerging leaders from every part of society the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to benefit those communities.
• to initiate greater cross-sector communication, so stimulating more effective cross sector working
• to inspire emerging leaders to find new and collaborative solutions to problems in their own organisations and in the wider context.
I immediately identified with the aims of the organisation . In a funny way and at a far higher and more intense level they were similar to those of Citichat, though obviously through a vastly different, focused and more intensive and effective process. Citichat, like Common Purpose, aims to provide a greater understanding of the context in which we operate, Citichat informally by presenting all possible aspects of the city. Common Purpose by “creating an open outward-looking network characterised by enthusiasm, synergy and commitment, promoting the transferability of talent and ideas from one city to the next in order to maximise the benefits.”
Common Purpose brings together groups of carefully chosen people and exposes them uniquely to the workings of the society in which we function. Carefully selected from public and private and non-profit sectors, it brings together people who are in or on the threshold of leadership and develops them to be more effective. These are people who have the potential to make a difference in their own organisations, in the community and in society as a whole thus, of particular interest for me, in the city. They are exposed together in a highly structured way to leaders, opinion makers, processes, organisations and places that are part of or are currently shaping the world about us. The process promotes open, critical analysis of all of these thus facilitating an understanding of the context in which they operate and encouraging participants to look for new and collaborative solutions to the issues that they are confronted with.
The organisations’s literature describes their leadership programmes as “delivered in a unique way because they are rooted in the community. This doubles the return on investment, resulting in better leaders and stronger communities. The community is both our subject and our venue. Participants don’t just sit in meeting rooms doing exercises. They go out into the surrounding area and consider society’s real issues and problems first hand. They visit businesses, prisons, housing developments, hospitals, plants. They discover that many of the issues they are grappling with are common to all sectors. Together, they tackle live issues with other leaders, including the people who carry real –life responsibility for them.”
So what does a Common Purpose programme look like in practice? This past year, the second in which During 2002, the Matrix programme “for emerging leaders in their cities, towns or areas” has been offered for the second year. It started with a residential workshop over two days in February. Each succeeding month a one day intensive session is held. This year these have focused on Economy and Employment; Education and Technology; Housing and Homelessness; Governance; Health and Social Services; Crime and Justice; Planning and the Environment; Poverty and Social Inclusion; Arts Culture and the Media.
Taking the Matrix Governance Programme Day as an example, (08h00 start finishing with dinner at 19h15) the programme consists of briefings, panel discussions, conversations with business leaders, a keynote address, positions exercises on governance related issues, site visits, a corporate governance case study, group led discussions etc.
Two new Common Purpose programmes are being introduced, The first of these is ‘Navigator’, targeting persons under 30 who hold key positions in the public private and not-for-profit sectors and who have been identified as having high potential in their chosen field. An intensive five day residential programme (this year November 4th to 8th in Johannesburg) will expose participants to behind the scenes views of how society works, encourage them to challenge and debate with leaders in various fields and to “step out of their comfort zones and to explore the scope of leadership and creativity.”
The second new programme is “Your Turn” and this is aimed at 15 year olds and challenges potential future leaders to think about their town or city and the world about them in new ways. They are exposed to current decision makers in all walks of society
Much of the foundational success of this, in South Africa, very new organisation which has and is contributing to greater understanding of the city and the broader world in which it operates, is due to the passionate commitment of its first South African Programme Director, Brian Scheepers. Brian passed away a few weeks ago after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He passion for the objectives of the organisation will live on through each Common Purpose programme participant whose personal boundaries will be expanded, capacity to lead strengthened and ability to contribute practically to the communities they serve enhanced. Ave atque vale, Brian!
Regards, neil.
Friday, October 4, 2002
Hotels and Progress Review Citichat 4 October 2002
CITICHAT 39/2002 - 4 October 2002
HOTELS AND PROGRESS REVIEW
JUST ANOTHER WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE CITY - THE (UP)BEAT GOES ON!
Kwa Dukuza Egoli Hotel & Conference Centre. Spent a couple of hours being shown over the Kwa Dukuza Egoli Hotel & Conference Centre by Marian Whitehead responsible for marketing. Kwa Dukuza Egoli?????? Well if you have been around for a few decades you would have knownpart of it as the Tollman Towers, if less than a few decades, the Johannesburg Sun (Sol Kerzner’s citycentre flagship hotel), less again, the Downtown Holiday Inn and for the last couple of years – the ‘mothballed Downtown Holiday Inn’. Still not sure? Well it’s the soaring blue coloured tower block just east of the High Court and the Jeppe Street Post Office between Jeppe and Pritchard Streets, Smal and von Wielligh.
Both the massive main Tower and the adjacent ‘Tollman’ building have been completely refurbished and refurnished and opened to absorb 2 800 guests over the World Summit period. Some were S.A. Police Services personnel posted here during the Summit but others included Cabinet Ministers and their entourages as well as foreign government delegates and the staff of at least one embassy.
Had a look at some of the impressive Presidential suites on the 40th floor - great city views thrown in – which the hotel offers in addition to Executive Suites and over 700 ‘Luxury Twin and Queen Accommodation’ rooms. The ground floor provides four choices in restaurants/bars/cafes whilst the first floor offers conference and banquet facilities for 1500 people. With games rooms, a pool terrace, a business centre, internet café, health hydro, squash courts etc etc etc IT”S JUST GREAT TO HAVE A MAJOR HOTEL OPERATING BACK IN THE CITY! If you haven’t heard about it previously, it’s because, whilst it is open for business, the official launch won’t take place until mid-November. Oh yes, Kwa Dukuza Egoli means the “Place of Gathering in Egoli” or “Gathering Place in the City of Gold!”
Bram Fischer House South Africa’s Chief Justice, Arthur Chaskelson officiated at the renaming of the old Allied Building Society Building on Rissik Street (directly west of Gandhi Square) and the opening of the Legal Resources Centre’s new offices which occupy three of the building’s nine floors. Quite a legal gathering with judges from the Constitutional Court, High Court, Appeal Court, Land Court, members of the SA Bar Council et al! Friendly mob, much hugging and kissing going on, the legal community are quite human after all!
Bram (Abraham) Fischer was the son of a Judge President of the former Orange Free State and grandson of a Prime Minister of the even more former Orange River Colony. He was a Rhodes Scholar, lawyer and Afrikaner revolutionary who defended Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial and died serving a life sentence.
The Legal Resources Centre has been in existence for over two decades fighting for the vulnerable and marginalised people in South Africa. It has unwaveringly defended and promoted the rights of the poor and the homeless. It has acted against unfair discrimination and injustice of all kinds and has been at the forefront of promoting a climate of human rights in the country.
The building was acquired by property entrepreneur and city aficionado Gerald Olitzki. I seem to remember Gerald telling me that he had always dreamed of acquiring this classical building as he had spent his articled clerk years there. He has now not only assembled an impressive property portfolio including buildings around two sides of Gandhi Square but has been successful in steadily populating them.
Main Street Pedestrianisation: Another of Gerald Olitzki’s dreams moved a step forward as envisaged difficulties by Metrobus were resolved during the week. Now for final design and financing and we could see work commencing early in the new year.
Drill Hall. A workshop was held to provide an opportunity for comment from a wide variety of sources in regard to proposals for the future of the partially fire ravaged historic Drill Hall. I understand that a further meeting is to be held next week to reconcile the design proposals with the needs of heritage conservation.
Chinatown Precinct. Savage & Dodd’s Chinatown Precinct Urban Design Plan was approved by the Inner City Section 79 Committee. The vision embodied in the plan is “to create a distinct cultural precinct with specific identifying landmark features and to enhance the existing qualities of an urban neighbourhood.” This is one of the oldest precincts in the city containing two noteworthy buildings, the Chinese Club Building being one of the oldest buildings in Joburg, and the Pabst building, currently undergoing a facelift, which is a landmark building of great architectural significance.
Better Buildings Programme Phase 3. Twelve more “bad buildings” have been identified for redevelopment, five in liquidation and the balance in process of being attached and sold in execution. Redevelopment will yield over 1000 residential units.
Constitution Hill: Tenders were adjudicated for the construction of the massive ‘super parking basement’ at Constitution Hill
Newtown: The recent road upgrade in Newtown as part of the Mary Fitzgerald Square reconstruction is to be extended westward to the Oriental Plaza which, with the Nelson Mandela Bridge and offramps will provide excellent access to the Plaza which offers quite unique shopping experiences to locals and tourists alike.
Crime
Was impressed at the Metro Police Report from Gerrie Gernicke at the Inner City section 79 Committee. It appears as if they are starting to get not only more organised and better equipped but also more focused. I believe we will now start seeing a distinct improvement in by-law enforcement. Certainly the strong enforcement of hawker by-laws has turned traders from hurling abuse to queuing to take up space in MetroMall, 200 had registered by mid-week.
Then, in a letter received this week from John Penberthy, MD of Business Against Crime Surveillance Technology, he states that whilst 272 general incidents were recorded by his now 200 CCTV inner city camera system between 26 August and 4 September, less than half involved criminal activities and only one, an armed robbery, would be rated as serious. He records “ It is very significant to realise that just over two years ago, Joburg was considered practically a no-go area to its residents. Violent crime was rampant with stabbings, shootings and armed robberies seemingly a daily occurrence. It is highly significant that the kind of events being recorded now involve petty and largely opportunistic criminal activities, such as you will find in any major city around the world.”
I read John’s comments just after receiving the Institute for Security Studies SA Crime Quarterly. In an article reviewing 2001 Crime Trends, the author, Martin Schonteich states; “Contrary to popular belief, the per capita rate of violent crime has since 1994 been consistently higher in the Western Cape than in Gauteng. That is, since 1994 the average resident of the Western Cape has been at greater risk of becoming a victim of recorded violent crime than the average Gauteng resident.” So much for the historic reporting of the local media although, even they, have become upbeat about the City’s rebirth. And, in fairness, the Star has stayed right here in the inner city, their presence, if not always their reporting, evidence of their support.
Private Sector Response to the Inner City Renewal Programme. The Inner City section 79 Committee also heard a report this week from Graeme Reid, CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency as to the growing positive response to the city’s revitalisation. Listed were:
• R170 million committed to reinvestment and upgrading in Braamfontein.
• R50 million retail development at Union Square
• New mixed use development over nine sites in Doornfontein.
• Relocation from Durban of an import/export and major printing firm to Jeppe.
• Acquisition of factory premises – long vacant – also in Jeppe for mixed use development
• Property auctioned in the central city fetching R700 000 above anticipated price
• Increased activity in Newtown property trading in response to the upgrade; five sales in the last 12 months
• MetroMall lettings of formal retail space at R140-00 sq metre
• A-grade office vacancies continue to decline
• R30 million private sector investment in Hillbrow/Berea over past twelve months.
I also hear that an American group are looking to invest one billion rand in the city’s real estate, believing that the time is ripe before the upturn really gathers momentum and prices spiral!
Oh well, just another week in a city on its way up!
Cheers, neil
HOTELS AND PROGRESS REVIEW
JUST ANOTHER WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE CITY - THE (UP)BEAT GOES ON!
Kwa Dukuza Egoli Hotel & Conference Centre. Spent a couple of hours being shown over the Kwa Dukuza Egoli Hotel & Conference Centre by Marian Whitehead responsible for marketing. Kwa Dukuza Egoli?????? Well if you have been around for a few decades you would have knownpart of it as the Tollman Towers, if less than a few decades, the Johannesburg Sun (Sol Kerzner’s citycentre flagship hotel), less again, the Downtown Holiday Inn and for the last couple of years – the ‘mothballed Downtown Holiday Inn’. Still not sure? Well it’s the soaring blue coloured tower block just east of the High Court and the Jeppe Street Post Office between Jeppe and Pritchard Streets, Smal and von Wielligh.
Both the massive main Tower and the adjacent ‘Tollman’ building have been completely refurbished and refurnished and opened to absorb 2 800 guests over the World Summit period. Some were S.A. Police Services personnel posted here during the Summit but others included Cabinet Ministers and their entourages as well as foreign government delegates and the staff of at least one embassy.
Had a look at some of the impressive Presidential suites on the 40th floor - great city views thrown in – which the hotel offers in addition to Executive Suites and over 700 ‘Luxury Twin and Queen Accommodation’ rooms. The ground floor provides four choices in restaurants/bars/cafes whilst the first floor offers conference and banquet facilities for 1500 people. With games rooms, a pool terrace, a business centre, internet café, health hydro, squash courts etc etc etc IT”S JUST GREAT TO HAVE A MAJOR HOTEL OPERATING BACK IN THE CITY! If you haven’t heard about it previously, it’s because, whilst it is open for business, the official launch won’t take place until mid-November. Oh yes, Kwa Dukuza Egoli means the “Place of Gathering in Egoli” or “Gathering Place in the City of Gold!”
Bram Fischer House South Africa’s Chief Justice, Arthur Chaskelson officiated at the renaming of the old Allied Building Society Building on Rissik Street (directly west of Gandhi Square) and the opening of the Legal Resources Centre’s new offices which occupy three of the building’s nine floors. Quite a legal gathering with judges from the Constitutional Court, High Court, Appeal Court, Land Court, members of the SA Bar Council et al! Friendly mob, much hugging and kissing going on, the legal community are quite human after all!
Bram (Abraham) Fischer was the son of a Judge President of the former Orange Free State and grandson of a Prime Minister of the even more former Orange River Colony. He was a Rhodes Scholar, lawyer and Afrikaner revolutionary who defended Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial and died serving a life sentence.
The Legal Resources Centre has been in existence for over two decades fighting for the vulnerable and marginalised people in South Africa. It has unwaveringly defended and promoted the rights of the poor and the homeless. It has acted against unfair discrimination and injustice of all kinds and has been at the forefront of promoting a climate of human rights in the country.
The building was acquired by property entrepreneur and city aficionado Gerald Olitzki. I seem to remember Gerald telling me that he had always dreamed of acquiring this classical building as he had spent his articled clerk years there. He has now not only assembled an impressive property portfolio including buildings around two sides of Gandhi Square but has been successful in steadily populating them.
Main Street Pedestrianisation: Another of Gerald Olitzki’s dreams moved a step forward as envisaged difficulties by Metrobus were resolved during the week. Now for final design and financing and we could see work commencing early in the new year.
Drill Hall. A workshop was held to provide an opportunity for comment from a wide variety of sources in regard to proposals for the future of the partially fire ravaged historic Drill Hall. I understand that a further meeting is to be held next week to reconcile the design proposals with the needs of heritage conservation.
Chinatown Precinct. Savage & Dodd’s Chinatown Precinct Urban Design Plan was approved by the Inner City Section 79 Committee. The vision embodied in the plan is “to create a distinct cultural precinct with specific identifying landmark features and to enhance the existing qualities of an urban neighbourhood.” This is one of the oldest precincts in the city containing two noteworthy buildings, the Chinese Club Building being one of the oldest buildings in Joburg, and the Pabst building, currently undergoing a facelift, which is a landmark building of great architectural significance.
Better Buildings Programme Phase 3. Twelve more “bad buildings” have been identified for redevelopment, five in liquidation and the balance in process of being attached and sold in execution. Redevelopment will yield over 1000 residential units.
Constitution Hill: Tenders were adjudicated for the construction of the massive ‘super parking basement’ at Constitution Hill
Newtown: The recent road upgrade in Newtown as part of the Mary Fitzgerald Square reconstruction is to be extended westward to the Oriental Plaza which, with the Nelson Mandela Bridge and offramps will provide excellent access to the Plaza which offers quite unique shopping experiences to locals and tourists alike.
Crime
Was impressed at the Metro Police Report from Gerrie Gernicke at the Inner City section 79 Committee. It appears as if they are starting to get not only more organised and better equipped but also more focused. I believe we will now start seeing a distinct improvement in by-law enforcement. Certainly the strong enforcement of hawker by-laws has turned traders from hurling abuse to queuing to take up space in MetroMall, 200 had registered by mid-week.
Then, in a letter received this week from John Penberthy, MD of Business Against Crime Surveillance Technology, he states that whilst 272 general incidents were recorded by his now 200 CCTV inner city camera system between 26 August and 4 September, less than half involved criminal activities and only one, an armed robbery, would be rated as serious. He records “ It is very significant to realise that just over two years ago, Joburg was considered practically a no-go area to its residents. Violent crime was rampant with stabbings, shootings and armed robberies seemingly a daily occurrence. It is highly significant that the kind of events being recorded now involve petty and largely opportunistic criminal activities, such as you will find in any major city around the world.”
I read John’s comments just after receiving the Institute for Security Studies SA Crime Quarterly. In an article reviewing 2001 Crime Trends, the author, Martin Schonteich states; “Contrary to popular belief, the per capita rate of violent crime has since 1994 been consistently higher in the Western Cape than in Gauteng. That is, since 1994 the average resident of the Western Cape has been at greater risk of becoming a victim of recorded violent crime than the average Gauteng resident.” So much for the historic reporting of the local media although, even they, have become upbeat about the City’s rebirth. And, in fairness, the Star has stayed right here in the inner city, their presence, if not always their reporting, evidence of their support.
Private Sector Response to the Inner City Renewal Programme. The Inner City section 79 Committee also heard a report this week from Graeme Reid, CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency as to the growing positive response to the city’s revitalisation. Listed were:
• R170 million committed to reinvestment and upgrading in Braamfontein.
• R50 million retail development at Union Square
• New mixed use development over nine sites in Doornfontein.
• Relocation from Durban of an import/export and major printing firm to Jeppe.
• Acquisition of factory premises – long vacant – also in Jeppe for mixed use development
• Property auctioned in the central city fetching R700 000 above anticipated price
• Increased activity in Newtown property trading in response to the upgrade; five sales in the last 12 months
• MetroMall lettings of formal retail space at R140-00 sq metre
• A-grade office vacancies continue to decline
• R30 million private sector investment in Hillbrow/Berea over past twelve months.
I also hear that an American group are looking to invest one billion rand in the city’s real estate, believing that the time is ripe before the upturn really gathers momentum and prices spiral!
Oh well, just another week in a city on its way up!
Cheers, neil
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