The law is not all that will be laid down when the Joburg High Court's surroundings get a revamp - new street furniture and more "pizzazz" will be added to the city's judicial precinct.

A jazzed-up new High Court precinct is the latest development in the city's rejuvenation, initiated by the Joburg Development Agency and its partners.

The area, from Eloff Street in the west to Jeppe Street in the north, Von Wielligh in the east and President on its southern boundary, is to be "refurbished, recycled and re-invested in" for both residential and commercial use.

The agency's Tshepo Nkosi said a "pedestrian-oriented space", which would provide more opportunities for "social interaction, relaxation and encounter" was envisioned.

He said the fence around the court would be removed, and the pavement extended to create a "public piazza."

Parking and traffic needs would also be taken into account in the development.

The agency said in a report that the aim of the project was to create the "pizzazz of a memorable and safe experience within the urban fabric".

It said the plan included quality public spaces that supported small enterprise and local business, and promoted the environmental improvement of the area.

The redevelopment involves the province of Gauteng, the Department of Public Works, the Jeppe Street Post Office, the Central Joburg Partnership, the Joburg City Council and the private sector.

The legal fraternity is also involved, including the Bar Council, judges, the Department of Justice and state advocates.

Nkosi said the purpose of the upgrade was to attract people and bolster the workforce, with a spin-off effect on residential development also in mind.

The executive director of the Central Joburg Partnership, Neil Fraser, said the development was in line with other clean-up initiatives in the inner city.

"It is another opportunity to make [the inner city] a clean and safe node, which has been going on in the city for a while now," he said.

Although a number of legal firms had moved out of the inner city into the suburbs, Fraser said the initiative could possibly attract them back, although this was not the project's primary aim.

He said the partners were finalising finances and programmes.

"The initial stages are almost complete and we would certainly look to start this side of the end of the year," he said.

Sunday Times