Newtown
Located in the western sector of the Johannesburg city centre, Newtown covers an area that stretches from the marshalling yards and railway lines to the north, the M2 motorway 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 African Bank 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 Oriental Plaza just around the corner.
Newtown is one of five tourism developments aimed at inner-city regeneration. In partnership with Gauteng Agency Blue IQ, the Johannesburg City Council - through the Johannesburg Development Agency - is transforming Newtown into a safe and attractive place to work, live and visit. Newstown aims to attract major investment, particularly in the creative industries, culture and tourism; create a vibrant mixed-use area; a destination centre for visitors and residents.
The development include the Nelson Mandela Bridge linking Braamfontein to Newtown; the M1/Carr Street Partial Interchange; the Metro Market; Mary Fitzgerald Square; new centres for arts and craft; multi-media; dance; music; and, film; improved security; upgraded parking facilities; and 2,200 new housing units, of which 50% will be subsidised rental units.
Newtown is being developed into a vibrant, mixed-use area with a unique character based on existing cultural facilities - the indelible Kippies, the world renowned Market Theatre, Moyo Restaurant at the Market, the buzz of Nikki's Oasis, the numerous international artists who have graced the Newtown Music Centre and not forgetting the unique shopping experience of the Oriental Plaza just around the corner from Newtown.