Randburg, the node identified as vital to Johannesburg’s 2030 Vision, is presently undergoing a transformation.  Although much of the R17-million spent by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) on upgrading Randburg is not readily visible, 2006 promises to be different with businesses and property owners/developers making their own additional contribution.

A three-year urban revival plan is in progress to attract business and investment back to the area through creating a clean, safe and attractive environment.  The CEO of the JDA, Lael Bethlehem says the aim is to enhance Randburg’s role as a public transport node and a centre for businesses.

After two illegal taxi ranks were closed, a new R8,9-million taxi rank was opened at the Randburg Mall in 2001, paving the way for the City to initiate developments in the area. In 2004, Johannesburg approved plans to declare the Randburg CBD a city improvement district (CID) and to transform the area into a safe, clean, attractive, user-friendly and desirable commercial node.

The upgrade, a joint effort by the City and the local business community, will ensure "more effective management of public areas, address issues of crime and grime, promote business confidence and play an overarching role in the promotion of the area.”
A Central Improvement District (CID) has been formed between Dover Street, Hendrik Verwoerd Drive, Harley Street, Selkirk and Kent Avenues. Phase 2 of the plan will see developments taking place at the Pretoria and Hill Street intersection with Hill Street being opened to traffic in Phase 4.

The recently renamed Randburg Square (previously Sanlam Centre) is one of the businesses leading the way with owners, Vukile investing heavily in renovations and upgrades.  The building is leading the way in attracting new business to the area with quality office space being offered at highly competitive rentals.

CEO of Vukile Gerhard van Zyl says that with the JDA focusing on the upgrading of the physical infrastructure, economic and social development of the CBD, Randburg has the opportunity of becoming a new powerhouse in Gauteng. 

“Many established businesses such as Sasol, M-net, Porsche, Nestle and Credit Guarantee are well settled.  Now adding to the accessibility and central positioning of the CBD is the fact that affordable office space is available in a market where scarcity presents a problem in many other areas.  We have taken a proactive stance in upgrading Randburg Square for those seeking office space as well as retail facilities.  Foremost in the plan has been the addressing of the ‘crime and grime’ issues,” he points out.

Van Zyl says more visible signs of Randburg’s revitalization will be the hallmark of this programme during the course of 2006.

The plan includes upgrading of the taxi rank and the council offices which will moved back into the old civic centre; Public spaces and roads will be improved and upgraded; Hendrik Verwoerd closed to vehicular traffic and pedestrian routes upgraded along major streets.  In addition, Hill Street will be transformed  into a retail boulevard accommodating both vehicular and pedestrian movement and Pretoria Avenue upgraded as an activity spine.