The hole was one of the biggest dug in the inner city since the construction of the Carlton Centre. It was that big to accommodate the underground parking which would be part of the new, 30,000sqm Newtown Junction, which was being built among heritage buildings, including the historic potato shed.

The project coincided with the revamp and extension of the Market Theatre precinct and was expected to draw in additional 5000 people and 2500 cars to the central business district.

The Star reported that the centre would be linked to the upgraded theatre precinct, so theatre goers would be able to walk over the railway lines on refurbished original pedestrian bridges to dine and shop after shows. It would house two major retailers, fashion boutiques and restaurants.

"Newtown has the crown jewels of Joburg with its history and old buildings, many of which have been sadly neglected," architect Jeremy Rose, of Mashabane Rose Architects was quoted as telling the newspaper. "Through this new development, we want to combine the old with new, but still holding on the city's memories.

"The new building will be adding to the progress of the city. These historic sites are lying vacant and disused, and our history is going to be lost for ever if something is not done," he said. The Newton Junction is expected to open in December 2014.