JOHANNESBURG'S Main Street, once a "no go" area, has been transformed into a friendly, interesting place enjoyed by many every day of the week.

Main Street houses a number of mining companies

DURING lunchtime, hundreds of workers in the CBD gather at the Main Street Mall to enjoy their lunch, sitting under the indigenous trees or relaxing in Gandhi Square, where an old red mining stamp mill and locomotive are on display.

"This is a nice environment in which to relax," says the manager of JCI's buildings, Willie Lightfoot. "I come here most of the time during my lunchtime."

Main Street houses a number of mining companies, including BHP Billiton, Anglo Platinum, Anglo Gold, Goldfields and the Chamber of Mines.

An initiative by businesses in the street, including most of the big mining houses, supported by the City of Johannesburg, has seen Main Street transformed into a cobbled celebration of the city's rich and fascinating mining heritage.

"The street is rich with mining history and we had to choose a mining theme," said Hans Jooste, manager of the Central Johannesburg Partnership, an inner city renewal initiative.

The project has also seen six blocks - from MacLaren to Rissik Streets - being paved where they intersect Main Street, making the street pedestrian-friendly.

The street has been turned into a one-way, starting from the corner of Sauer Street up to Gandhi Square, giving pedestrians priority and keeping vehicle traffic to a minimum.

Alongside the road are artefacts from the early days of mining - grey iron dustbins and underground locomotives. Water taps also dot the road, giving pedestrians the chance to refresh themselves.

Robert Shika, a student at the Stech Campus situated in the area, enjoys the relaxing vibe of the Main Street development. "This place is really cool; I like the mining theme. I always relax here before I go school."

For those on the move, there are a number of takeaway shops to grab a bite to eat, as well as Nino's - the first big restaurant to open in the inner city in a while - and a host of banks and clothing shops.

Every second Friday afternoon the Standard Bank Piazza on Main Street comes alive, with musicians and dancers entertaining bystanders.

"People come out in their numbers for the concert. We send out fliers to inform them about the planned entertainment for that Friday," says Jooste.

The street celebrates the city's mining heritage

The street will come alive during the festive season, with Christmas decorations, street entertainment and a range of market stalls selling quality goods, including beading, linen, décor, cushions and Christmas card kits.

A Christmas market is open along the mall from 24 November to 26 November between 11:30am and 2:30pm. Profits from the market will support a range of charities and self-help schemes.

The Main Street Mall is clean and safe, with at least four security guards patrolling the area. "We also have cleaners who make sure that the area is clean at all times," says Jooste.

Development of the area is continuing and the second phase of the project will see photos and boards displayed on the street explaining each building and its history.