Two new retail, hotel and mixed-use developments in Newtown, Johannesburg, costing R870-million, are scheduled to start next month.

Two new retail, hotel and mixed-use developments in Newtown, Johannesburg, costing R870m, are scheduled to start next month.

The first project includes the old Potato Shed building built in 1912 and situated between Carr Street and Museum Africa and the second project will be developed at Mary Fitzgerald Square.

Both sites have been derelict for about 30 years.

The site both formed part of the old Indian Market where the first sheds were built in 1912, started operating in 1913 and supplied Johannesburg’s fresh produce for decades until the 1960s when about 2000 tons of fresh produce was moving through the market each day.

The market was moved to its current site south east of the city centre today.

A new 2 688 sqm retail and office development known as Newtown Junction will be built near Museum Africa and parking for an additional 700 cars is planned. The new buildings are designed to connect directly with Museum Africa through a special walkway.

Illegal occupants living in the various structures that have stood vacant for years have agreed to voluntarily move to other areas after intense negotiations with representatives of the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).

The development is being done by Atterbury Property Developments, which is expected to take occupation of the site next month. Newtown Junction will create at least 1 700 jobs for residents of central Johannesburg.

Managing director of Atterbury Property Developments, Helen Botes says that the JPC is excited to be involved in the project that will use some historic properties to create a new and exciting retail and office hub that will increase property values and improve job prospects in the inner city.

The second development, a short way from the Potato Sheds will see the new Majestic Hotel being built on Henry Nxumalo Street where the old Transport House building stands derelict.

The structure will be revamped into a mixed-use development at a cost of about R400-million. Kaylon Karrim of Ilangabi Property Developers is developing it.

According to Karrim a lot of emphasis will be placed on social open spaces with an amphitheatre and health and fitness centre as part of the open spaces. Loft-style apartments will complement the new retail and office space.

A new six-storey boutique hotel, The Majestic, will keep the original façade of the Transport Building. Anchor tenants for the development include Shoprite Checkers, Ster-Kinekor and Protea Hotels.

The projects are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

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