Historical background

AT the turn of the 20th century, the Newtown Precinct was originally known as the Brickfields. This area was rich in clay, brick making became the most popular form of generating income, and even better if an individual had their own clay mixer for making bricks. By 1896, about 7 000 people of all races lived in the Brickfields area, later named Burghersdorp.

As this land was close to the centre of Johannesburg and the railway line, many businesses and immigrants coming from overseas bought stands in Burghersdorp. Soon, trading companies, banks, brick companies, a brewery, and fisheries moved into the area. Many Indians set up shops and eateries along Locatie (now known as Carr Street), which led to the station.

In April 1904, the fire brigade set the area alight destroying everything in the inferno - a measure to combat the bubonic plague that had broken out. The area was surveyed, re-planned in unbecoming haste and renamed Newtown by October 1904. A commercial area where vast fortunes in milling, production of sugar and food merchandising would come to existence. Newtown has now become synonymous with the heritage and culture of South Africa and especially Johannesburg. Hence it is universally known as the Cultural Precinct.

LOCATION
Located in the western sector of the Johannesburg city centre, covering an area that stretches from the marshalling yards and railway lines to the north, the M2 motor-way in the south, West Street in the east and Quinn Street in the west.

Capitalising on Newtown's history as the hub of exchange and the original centre of Johannesburg, the redevelopment of Newtown has been identified as a key focus area with the potential to attract major investment, particularly in creative industries, culture and tourism. Newtown is being developed into a vibrant, mixed-use area with a unique character based on existing cultural facilities. Think of the indelible Kippies, the world renowned Market Theatre, the buzz of Nikki's Oasis and Couch and Coffee, the grooving to numerous international artists who have graced Newtown Music Centre (formerly Mega Music) and not forgetting the unique shopping experience of the Oriental Plaza just around the corner.

This destination is now easier to reach with the construction of the Nelson Mandela Bridge and associated N1 / Carr Street interchange. The Nelson Mandela Bridge is the new gateway from the north and is able to carry up to 3000 cars per hour. Co-funded by Blue IQ, the City of Johannesburg, National Roads Agency and the National Department of Transport, this pedestrian and vehicle link provides improved access for local national and international tourists.

1. New Carr Street Interchange
2. Mandela Bridge
3. Old Railway Station
4. Metro Market
5. New Residential Development
6. Africa Cultural Centre & Children's Museum
7. Market Theatre Precinct
8. MuseuMAfrica
9. Mary Fitzgerald Square
10. Dance Centre
11. Worker's Library & Museum
12. Multimedia Centre
13. Turbine Hall & Boiler House
14. Mega Music
15. Dance Factory
16. Sci-bono discovery centre
17. SAB Museum
18. Reserve Bank
19. Bus Factory