By Clive Ndou
In a bid to stimulate a sense of entrepreneurship among local fashion designers, the Metro yesterday launched its Fashion District Project.
 
The project, which is a development initiative of the City of Johannesburg, is set to be a centre for business operations for the local fashion industry.
 
Spear-headed by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), it is also expected at the same time, to result in a massive revamp of the city's dilapidated buildings, making suitable property available for reinvestment.
 
It will also lead to the development of correct services and facilities to support a center for fashionable pursuits, including retail outlets, design studios, restaurants and other entertainment spots.
 
Located in the western part of the CBD, it will occupy an area of 29 city blocks, around Jeppe, Commissioner, End and Von Willigh Streets.
 
According to Sthembiso Mtungwa, General Manager of Property Development at JPC, there are already 100 fashion-related businesses in the area.
 
A survey by the JPC has identified all properties in the District, including market values, zoning, ownership and overall state of repairs.
 
"The survey has revealed a large collection of Cut, Make and Trim (CMT) operators, a thriving budget clothing retail industry and the studios of a number of established and emerging designers," he said.
 
Mr Mtungwa added that an important component of the Fashion Square is the JPC's Better Building Programme (BBP), where buildings in the District that are classified as "bad" are identified and offered to investors under the auspices of the BBP.
 
The JPC has been managing the BBP on behalf of the City since 2003. The programme identifies dilapidated buildings in the inner city and implements a comprehensive process through which unlawful occupants are removed and the buildings secured.  
 
A suitable owner is then found for the building and it is sold on the condition that it is renovated and well maintained.  After a hand-over to new owners a series of follow-ups ensures that the building is not allowed to revert to its old state.
 
Mr Mtungwa said the Fashion Square project would commence within the next few months and it is hoped the launch will generate plenty of interest from investors and tenants alike. - BuaNews