The Newtown cultural precinct is one of the most important heritage precincts in Johannesburg. World famous landmarks such as the Market Theatre and Mary Fitzgerald square sit alongside museums, restaurants, dance and music venues. This area has become a centre of cultural expression in the city; it’s unique character and narrative explains to a visitor the story of the birth of Johannesburg using rare architectural relics.
This proposal brings together a complex history with a contemporary mixed-use, city lifestyle precinct. Concerned with sustainability this proposed precinct hopes to achieve international recognition in terms of green buildings, setting a precedent in inner-city renewal projects.
Boogertman and Mashabane Rose are two well-respected architectural firms that have teamed up to breathe new life into this precinct. Their aim was to unpack this important aspect of Johannesburg’s heritage through sensitivity and research. This design approach led them on a search through dusty canvas plans in the backrooms of Johannesburg municipality, to walking each street compiling a complete urban design framework.
| Joint Venture Architects | Mashabane Rose Architects |
| Carr Str. Master Development | 117 000sqm / Residential, Retail, Commercial |
| Mary Fitzgerald Square | 10 000sqm / Cultural |
| Newtown Film Studios | 11 000sqm / Cultural |
| Art Council | 3 940sqm / Office |
| Newtown Transnet Museum | 19 000sqm / Office and Retail |
| Boutique Hotel | 2 481sqm / Hotel and Retail |
| Newtown Sohwroom Square | 9 000sqm / Retail |
| Newtown Commercial | 7 110sqm / Office |
| Newtown Junction | 40 000sqm / Retail | Newtown City Lodge Hotel | 9 500sqm / Hotel(Residential) |
