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The Reinvention of Newtown

Once the centre of commerce and trade in Johannesburg, and later gaining an almost slum-like quality, Newtown is now Johannesburg’s premier cultural precinct. Since the 90’s, when the western part of the city centre was identified for rehabilitation, Newtown has bounded from strength to strength and is now a vibrant, multi-purpose area. It has a unique character that can be attributed to the use of pre-existing facilities and new vision. Geographically located in an area enclosed by railway lines in the north, the M2 highway in the south and bounded by West Street and Quinn Street in the east and west respectively, this redevelopment has been aimed at attracting investors, particularly those with an interest in all industries oriented towards creativity, culture and tourism.

Development and Redevelopment

Newtown is now renowned as one of cleanest and safest parts of Johannesburg as a result of extensive personal and financial investment by many stakeholders. With attractive, French-designed lighting, an abundance of public space and CCTV cameras, exploration can be undertaken with enjoyment and peace of mind. In addition to being a cultural centre and home to Gauteng’s creative industry, developers in Newtown are also doing their bit for South Africa as a whole. With so many buildings available for redevelopment, there is an abundance of housing that will soon be available in this area. In addition, 2 200 new homes are under construction and will be available for residential occupation. Other buildings have already been renovated and let. In addition to this, numerous opportunities exist for investors looking for worthwhile projects. These include the revamping of redundant buildings.

Activities in Newtown
With a wealth of things to see and do in this cosmopolitan part of Jozi, it’s not surprising that it has become so popular for both visitors to the city, and locals looking for something to do. A fascinating amalgamation of old and new; Newtown offers restaurants, theatres, museums, a dance centre and numerous other features.

Transport and Shopping in Newtown

295 metres long, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is the gateway to Newtown. Able to accommodate up to 3000 vehicles every hour and designed with a pedestrian walkway for visitors arriving on foot, this walkway has changed the silhouette of the Jozi skyline forever. Linking Braamfontien in the north and Newtown in the south, this mammoth construction was officially opened by former South African president, Nelson Mandela in 2003.

The bridge is but one method of finding your way into Newtown. Commuters and visitors using public transport will find themselves alighting in the spectacular Metro Mall. Not only is this the centre of public transport in the area, but it is also a multi-million rand shopping complex with a range of unique art, much of which was created in the city. With a host of shops, a buzzing food court serving environmentally-friendly meals and treats and many entertaining sights an sounds, this all-South African shopping experience is not one that you should miss.

Music, Dancing and the Performing Arts

The Market Theatre is internationally acclaimed and taking in a show at this venue is considered a definite must. Made famous during apartheid by its refusal to segregate, this theatre was important because of the challenges it posed to the government and the debates that it inspired. In the new South Africa, it still embodies the spirit of Newtown. Home to three theatres, an art gallery, bar and one of Johannesburg’s delightful Moyo restaurants, an evening at the market theatre is one you won’t soon forget.

A popular venue for concerts, recordings and performances; the Newtown Music Centre has been revamped to include a dance training space, a rehearsal studio and a resources centre. Many South African artists have used these facilities and some top acts have performed there.

For those visitors less eager to watch, and more eager to participate, there are facilities that offer classes and workshops. The more recent of the two is the Dance Factory. It is based on the desire to run classes, workshops and performances so as to cultivate a culture of dancing. Although open to the public, this opportunity is primarily directed at previously disadvantaged participants.

Moving into Dance was another anti-apartheid stronghold in the late 70s, with a focus on cultural resistance. Today it is one of South Africa’s premier dance companies that offers teacher training, as well as classes open to the public.

Art, History and Culture

If Newtown is rich in anything, it’s culture and its affiliates, history and art. Because of its rich and chequered past, it offers a fascinating blend of old and new. Museums are a large part of this mix. MuseuMAfrica is a relatively new museum that only opened its doors in 1994, to coincide with the country’s first democratic election. Although featuring ever-changing material, the permanent display reflects the era in which the museum was born: 20th century Johannesburg. The area itself is seeped in history; the building was originally constructed to house Jozi’s first fruit and vegetable market in 1913.

In addition to its permanent features which detail Johannesburg’s history; more specifically the political, economic and social effects of the Gold Rush, visitors to this museum can also see the South African Rock Art Museum, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Geological Museum, all of which are housed within the building. Effectively, a visit to MuseuMAfrica will disseminate a complete history of life in Southern Africa, stretching from the stone ages, through the nuclear era and beyond; something that is well worth seeing.

The Mary Fitzgerald Square is a space that is now used for large scale public performances. With a long history of use as a gathering point for strikers and trade unionists, it currently provides an arena that is suited to a vast range of activities including film festivals, markets and exhibitions. Well lit with a delightful ambiance and a 55 square metre LED screen (the largest outdoor screen on the continent) this venue is popular day and night.

If arts and crafts are your thing, then the National Design and Craft Centre is well worth a visit. Ideal for tourists wanting to get a feel for the South African arts and crafts industry as a whole, this centre is a business co-operative that specialises in the manufacture, sales, export and marketing of home décor and jewellery products.

Learning and Education

Learning and education in South Africa is one of the areas of major concern because of the disparities of the past and the challenge that exists in addressing them. However, many facilities exist in Newtown for this very purpose; the upliftment of children everywhere.

A wholly unique concept is the Afrika Cultural Centre. This facility was started in order to help meet the needs of children and young people with an interest in making the world a better place in which to live. Hosting year-round programmes that include art, craft and design classes, dance and music workshops the centre is aimed at encouraging innovation in children and the youth in general.

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is the new and improved Electric Workshop. Renovated to be Jozi’s premier science centre, its key purpose is to find ways to address the need for a maths, science and technology skills development programme for the province. With commercial retail facilities, an exhibition space, a pre-school discovery centre, offices, restaurants and science shops, it is an impressive feature in the dynamic hub that is Newtown.

Complementing the science centre is the Intel Computer Club, an organisation aimed at young adults in the inner city who need to learn about computers, how to use them and how they can benefit people in their personal and professional lives.

The Irresistible Charm of Newtown

With so much on offer, Newtown is one of Johannesburg’s premier tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike. Vibrant, dynamic and socially aware, this area of Johannesburg is a tribute to reconciliation in South Africa and affords a sense of renewed hope for the future of this beautiful country.

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