The Real Johannesburg

Green Park - 20F - Sandton

2010-03-26T15:47:00.003+02:00

Right off the bat you'll realise that this isn't your average building currently under construction in Sandton. I personally feel that as a country we need to embrace more unusual buildings, as up until now we've been rather safe architecturally if we compare ourselves to other countries.

Where she's currently at...

I must say that she's currently one of my favourite buildings riding in Sandton. Whilst it's only 20 floors in total, it's rather imposing and acts as a great asset to Sandton's skyline!

Street art series - part 4

2009-12-11T18:24:00.003+02:00

What a great way of making art functional.

BRT update

2009-11-17T00:36:00.002+02:00

I just got word of some rather sad news. It seems Joburg's inner-city BRT system has been marred by a few issues, prompting the city to temporarily stop service completely. They plan to address the issues and relaunch the service early next year.

Problems noted include:

* A lack of policing of BRT lanes
* Vehicles and other obstructions at stations etc.
* Due to the above two points, it is in fact quicker to walk to many destinations
* Ticket vendors not being widely available
* A lack of customers, mainly due to the above two points

The full article can be read here.

Street art series - part 3

2009-11-16T16:46:00.003+02:00

Above is a great example of how art can be cleverly used to aid in directing the flow of pedestrians, yet uplift an area at the same time. I love the looming tower in the background, which - whilst clearly is in no way a recent development - seems timeless.

The only issue I have is what appears to be some litter scattered about on the walkway. Hopefully the City of Johannesburg takes a tougher stance on littering. Littering is, however, an issue that spurts from the individual and could be attributed to a lack of pride in one's surroundings. South Africans should shame on those who have the audacity to litter in public spaces.

Soccer City - update

2009-11-15T17:41:00.002+02:00

Above are some extremely beautiful photos provided by my mate Pule from Skyscrapercity.com

I'm not sure where he sourced them, so if they belong to you and you'd like recognition, feel free to let me know.

I must say that I was sceptical of the stadium's facade effect before and during construction, but the completed product is amazing.

Street art series - part 2

2009-11-15T17:32:00.004+02:00

What a joyous day...I'm on a new laptop and Blogger is working once again. Above is the second image in the Street Art Series. Quiet an interesting piece, but reflective of its surroundings.

One thing that annoys me senselessly is organisations pasting advertising photos wherever they can find a place to, such as on the pillars of the highway in the photo in question. Cities should get far tougher on those who paste the unsightly things and don't remove them. It would be quite an easy job considering their contact details are right there on the poster.

Bye bye illegal stores

2009-10-14T16:10:00.002+02:00

This is a great initiative! It's about time something be done to bring more formality to the CBD. It may sound heartless, but if people would go about doing their business legally, everyone would be much better off. Hopefully officials continue the trend:

IT was business as usual for most shops on Abel Road in Berea, on Monday 12 October - until their worst nightmare.

The operation started at the crack of dawn, with an energetic team of over 50 police officers ready to start their day, despite the morning chill and a bit of a drizzle.The Red Ants, the demolition company, showed up with the by-law enforcement unit of the Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). The three groups were on a mission to tear down illegal buildings.

A convoy led by the wailing sirens of the JMPD and SAPS cars headed for Abel Road, where the crew's first target was a place called Pat's Restaurant and Fast Food.

Here they started by confiscating products inside the store before tearing the building down. As the bulldozer got to work, spectators gathered, watching in disbelief.

Next to the restaurant was a pawnshop from which the police officials seized televisions, sound systems, computers and fax machines. It, too, was torn down.

According to Region F's operations manager, Thys Pretorius, occupants of the illegally erected structures were given 30 days' notice to vacate the buildings.

Pretorius explained that the buildings were being removed as a way of restoring safety and security to the inner city and to curb crime, saying that they were usually associated with crime.

"The purpose of the operation is to enhance law enforcement in the inner city and surrounding crime hot spots, thus meticulously addressing prevailing lawlessness in certain parts of the inner city and to bring sense of safety and comfort to the many users of the inner city space," said the regional director of Region F, Nkosinathi Mthethwa.Other shops along Abel Road were also targeted - a hair salon, a cellphone repair shop, a public phone shop and a supermarket. All were destroyed as people watched in shock.

The demolitions formed part o f the inner city's crime prevention and by-law enforcement operation, which started on Friday, 9 October.

A number of blitzes have taken place in all four quadrants of the inner city, with many arrests made for property crimes, by-law infringements, vehicle theft, trading in stolen and counterfeit goods, and building hi-jacking.

More blitzes are still to take place, including closing down bad buildings, arresting people with summons against them, closing facilities used as prostitution houses, arresting undocumented people, and raiding the 100 most wanted criminals per cluster, including the Hillbrow and Joburg Central clusters.

The crime prevention operation is set to continue until Friday, 16 October.

Street art series

2009-10-09T11:27:00.003+02:00

Above is photo 1 in a 7-part street art series that will be appearing on my blog. Joburg is making huge strides in this department in order to cement itself as Africa's arts capital.

Soccer City update

2009-09-10T19:46:00.001+02:00

A friend has been kind enough to send along some of his photos from his heli-tour of the Soccer City precinct.

It's coming along so nicely! I can only imagine how great it'll look once the surrounds are complete.

The Library Hotel

2009-09-08T14:25:00.002+02:00

Above are some photographs from the beginning of August. The Library Hotel has thankfully being graced with a refurbishment too. Glad to see it's being retained and not floored instead.

Today is the day

2009-08-30T14:48:00.002+02:00

Free rides from Soweto to Joburg are being offered as the Rea Vaya Rapid Bus Transit system finally launches today! The taxi bosses tried and failed in their court bid to stop it.

The public rejoice! Finally - a 1'st World public transportation system.

Some updates

2009-08-26T19:29:00.000+02:00

Ubuntu Mall

2009-08-25T15:41:00.001+02:00

I'm very excited about this development, as it's clear that the city really needs it!

I await the day that the tower is refurbished with bated breath. One more building to add to the check-list of restorations.

Beyers Naude Square

2009-08-19T12:43:00.001+02:00

Quick update - it's nearing completion. Looking clean and tidy. Unfortunately there's still a few homeless Zimbabweans in the square, who will apparently be removed soon and hopefully place somewhere more permanent and comfortable if possible.

YMCA building receives a revamp

2009-08-18T15:40:00.002+02:00

Below is a copied version of the official information released regarding the renovation:

Built in 1952 the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was once referred to as “the answer to the moral decay in society”.

Today Aengus Lifestyle Properties has begun converting the this historic building into its biggest mixed-use development to date, consisting of 4000m2 of commercial space, 117 residential units and prime retail space. The YMCA is situated on the corner of Rissik and Smit Streets, in close proximity to a number of large employers in the Braamfontein area, as well as the University of Witwatersrand. It is also close to the Gautrain’s Park Station, due to be fully operational by 2011.

The more modern and fashionable YMCA development is already attracting ‘early adopters’, especially those within the creative industries. This is an excellent location with between 20 000 and 30 000 people working within 200m of the building.

Services include:
• Fully furnished units with WiFi
• Free 12 channel satellite television in every room
• 24 hour security
• Biometric access control
• Basement parking
• Prepaid electricity metres

Information for potential investors:
• Development will go to market in July 2009
• Situated on the corner of Rissik and Smit Streets, Braamfontein
• 117 residential units with rentals from R2,000 per month
• UDZ Tax Incentive is applicable for investors.
• Demographics: both residential and commercial tenants will be early adopters, predominantly in the design arena,

The YMCA is in close proximity to a number of large employers in the Braamfontein area, as well as the University of Witwatersrand

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I think the use of glass looks great. I'm a big fan of glass as I think it's clean, timeless and far from boring. There's so much you can do with it, and it reflects the world around it, making for a new façade each day.

Soweto Residents given first taste of BRT

2009-08-17T13:26:00.002+02:00

Yesterday at a fun day held in Soweto, residents were given their first look at the new Rea Vaya BRT buses, along with free rides to celebrate the looming September system launch.

It's great to see members of the public excited about finally having a world-class public transport system. It's also wonderful to see that the City of Johannesburg has taken a hard line against taxi bosses, yet is trying to include the actual drivers into the system so as to minimise job losses in that circle due to potential shifts in commuter numbers.

Exciting times!

District 9 tops US box office

2009-08-17T13:09:00.002+02:00

I'm sure you've heard of it by now. District 9 is a sci-fi thriller set in our very own Johannesburg, directed by South African native Neil Blomkamp and produced by none other than Peter Jackson.

It opened at number 1 on the US box office charts, claiming the title of the second largest August movie opening ever (kicking G.I. Joe to the second spot in the process). Yet another example of how we're improving our cities not only cosmetically, but the in how we use them.

Below is the full article taken from www.news24.co.za

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SA aliens movie tops box office

Los Angeles - Sci-fi action thriller District 9, about a colony of space aliens stranded in South Africa, landed atop the North American box office with an estimated $37m its first weekend, distributor Sony Pictures said on Sunday.

The faux documentary produced by Peter Jackson, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was buoyed by largely warm reviews and a promotional blitz at the recent Comic-Con comic book convention that fuelled pre-release buzz.

The film was directed and co-written by South African native Neill Blomkamp, a protege of Jackson making his feature directorial debut after a career of doing commercials. The movie cost roughly $30m to make, a very modest budget by Hollywood standards.

The cast of unknowns stars South African newcomer Sharlto Copley as a bureaucrat leading the forced eviction of alien creatures from a Johannesburg slum, District 9, where they have been settled since their ship stalled over the city 20 years earlier, marooning them on Earth.

Adapted from a short film

The confrontation escalates quickly into a bloody struggle by the humans to gain control over the sophisticated weaponry of the crustacean-like aliens. The story of extraterrestrials as unwanted immigrants was adapted from a short film, Alive in Joburg, that Copley had produced with Blomkamp as director.

Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment, said the novel story line and setting of the film obviously caught on with the mostly male, young moviegoers who made up its initial core audience.

"It's so out-of-the-box different from most movies that you see from a major studio," Bruer said. "It's kind of a rogue, raw, visceral film that has a life of its own."

Last week's No 1 film in the US and Canada, Paramount Pictures' G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, fell to No 2 this weekend with a Friday-through-Sunday estimated gross of $22.5m.

Another film debuting in wide release this weekend, Warner Bros' romantic drama The Time Traveller's Wife, based on a best-selling novel, grossed $19.2m to open at No 3.

- Reuters

YMCA Building

2009-08-15T20:55:00.003+02:00

Angus Properties is in the midst of giving the YMCA building in Braamfontein a renovation. It's the building pictured on the right in the first photo above, and the building on the left in the second photo.

Whilst there may be far worse buildings needing upgrades, it's great to see yet another refurbishment commence. At this rate Johannesburg's skyline will be graced with new modern high-rise apartments and office blocks in no time.

Watch This Space

2009-08-15T00:28:00.001+02:00

Twist street is set to look much cleaner and less like something out of a war-torn third-world country very soon, as yet another refurbishment begins. The building in question is the brown building in the middle in the above photo. It clearly needs a good cleaning.

Hopefully this will encourage the redevelopment of the surrounding buildings soon too.

BBC Knowledge - Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Johannesburg

2009-08-13T17:00:00.005+02:00

I was quite shocked and disgusted a few days ago when, whilst watching the BBC Lifestyle channel, a commercial aired for a new show on BBC Knowledge titled "Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Johannesburg."

The advert focussed on what I'm sure is the most run-down and decrepit areas of Johannesburg (and Philadelphia, another victim) the BBC could find, topped with commentary along the lines of "a city where the streets are ruled by crime and residents live in constant fear." They posed the question of stringent security measures possibly leading to more crime.

Now I'm all for realism, hence me not posting photos of Sandton alone on this blog, but there's a point where such programs stop being informative and instead become propoganda. It instils unnecessary fear in the hearts of those without better knowledge and is in fact a lie, to be quite blatant. I know that if I weren't clued up on South Africa and Johannesburg in particular, that had I seen the commercial or program in question, my perception of Johannesburg would be one of having to don a bulletproof vest should I ever set foot in OR Tambo International airport...God forbid outside the airport doors!

To top it all off, Britain was recently shocked by recent violent crime statistics being released that state that more violent crime occurs in Britain than in South Africa. Now I, along with many, personally doubt that. I'm sure that South Africa most likely has more unreported crime. But regardless, Britain's statistics by global standards are also shocking. Shouldn't the BBC, therefore, start with exposing crime in their own back yard first?

Is this the Hillbrow you know?

2009-08-13T16:55:00.002+02:00

Some great shots by my friend Pule over at Skyscrapercity. The City of Johannesburg really has upped its game with regards to improving the general cleanliness of the city, as well as refurbishment. I personally am a huge fan of the street art that is increasingly making an appearance on the streets.

King George Street improvements

2009-08-01T12:09:00.002+02:00

Here are a couple of buildings that have been upgraded in King George Street, facing Joubert Park and JAG.

Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (Updates)

2009-05-30T17:42:00.002+02:00

Scooters, Motorbikes and Cars

2009-05-23T01:38:00.000+02:00

In and Around Johannesburg

2009-05-22T11:30:00.003+02:00

Reflections

2009-04-16T14:59:00.001+02:00

The first picture above is of the South African Ballet Theatre (SABT) Studios.

Cafes

2009-04-16T14:40:00.001+02:00

Art, Parks and Recreation

2009-04-08T16:24:00.002+02:00

Now Letting

2009-04-03T13:42:00.003+02:00

Office space within the CBD seems to be increasingly in demand. Above are a number of photos taken yesterday displaying a number of builds with space To Let. You'll notice that many of them are refurbished buildings, which just goes to show the scale of Johannesburg's big CBD clean-up.

There is still a long way to go, with these new shiny gems amidst a few rough, yet-to-be-cut gems, but we're getting there! With each newly-refurbished building, the more pressure is placed on the owners of currently-derelict buildings.

Around Ellis Park

2009-04-02T20:58:00.003+02:00

In sticking with the spirit of Ellis Park, I thought I'd focus on the precinct surroundings too. In the first picture it looks as if the building is being demolished. A phoenix rising from the ashes? Time will tell!. In the second photo you'll notice yet another building undergoing a restoration.

Another successful restoration

2009-03-31T13:44:00.002+02:00

Yet another classic has been refurbished and now looks good as new!

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 9 of 10 (Rhodesfield Station)

2009-03-29T13:13:00.002+02:00

Ellis Park - Ground Level

2009-03-28T13:35:00.003+02:00

Above are some excellent shots provided by Pule from Skyscrapercity of Ellis Park. You'll notice the landscaping is coming along very nicely and the precinct is looking amazing. Just look at that skyline too!

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 8 of 10 (Hatfield Station)

2009-03-26T23:41:00.002+02:00

Ellis Park

2009-03-26T23:35:00.002+02:00

Being one of the stadia that will be used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in South Africa, Ellis Park has undergone upgrades internally, externally and in the form of new landscaping. Above is a taste of what the new exterior looks like. Personally I love the red arch!

ADHCO

2009-03-26T23:16:00.002+02:00

These guys, which are 50% owned by Old Mutual are doing amazing work in the Johannesburg CBD. So far they've bought over 50 delapitated building and have, are or plan on renovating/restoring them. You'll notice their billboards posted next to many of the buildings featured on this blog that denote their involvement.

Kudos to these guys for doing something practical to invoke change! A website is apparently on the cards. I'll keep you updated on that.

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 7 of 10 (Pretoria Station)

2009-03-02T14:08:00.001+02:00

Sorry about that!

2009-02-18T15:58:00.000+02:00

I've had a few personal issues to deal with and as a result my posting has been non-existent for some time. Regardless, I am not back in full force in a posting capacity.

Gautrain: The Stations (Part 6 of 10) - Centurion Station

2009-01-23T23:44:00.003+02:00

Simply reviewing these stations once more, I keep adding stations to my list of favourites! I love the use of glass in Centurion Station. Buildings open to natural light are always less constricting and it will definitely make commuting more pleasurable in this instance.

More art

2009-01-23T14:06:00.001+02:00

I've fallen in love with the sculptures above. They're by far my favourite street art pieces I've seen in the city yet.

General city beautification

2009-01-23T14:02:00.002+02:00

Those benches are an excellent and artistic addition to the city! They're style yet still traditional African in design.

Next to the Carlton Centre

2009-01-22T08:46:00.002+02:00

A restoration gone retro. I actually quite like it. It's different and adds character to the area. Definitely helps grab some attention away from the Carlton which in all honesty needs re-cladding in my opinion.

Main Street

2009-01-22T08:38:00.002+02:00

Main Street is situated just behind the Carlton Centre. You'll notice these beautiful buildings that have either been well-kept or recently restored. All in all the area is looking great.

I just have one gripe - the electricity boxes! Something needs to be done about organisations (mainly night clubs) pasting their adverts on the boxes and not removing them. It turns out as a huge mess in the end.

Gautrain: The Stations (Part 5 of 10) - Midrand Station

2009-01-21T21:55:00.002+02:00

A simple and clean design. It reminds me a lot of Cape Town International Airport's design.

Like music?

2009-01-21T20:09:00.004+02:00

Here's the press release for the latest Coke festival, named Coca-Cola Zero Fest:

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Believe It! Coca-Cola Zero^TM is bringing an unprecedented international and local line-up of the hottest rock bands, with 12 hours of rocking music and unbelievable experiences, making it the most adrenalin-fuelled festival in South Africa: Coca-Cola Zero^TM Fest in association with 5FM.

Coca-Cola Zero^TM is offering you the VIP privilege to purchase your tickets a day early on 22nd January, prior to public ticket sales opening day on 23rd January. Visit your nearest Computicket outlet and state the phrase (the 5FM special).

Consumers can now believe that unbelievable things do happen... South Africa, standby for British Rock Royalty and possibly the world's top headline live act - OASIS. Oasis will be supported by SNOW PATROL who got the global spotlight with their 2006 album "Eyes Open" which contains "Chasing Cars". Also featured will be the Grammy nominated, multiple MTV Award winning American rock band – PANIC AT THE DISCO.

And introducing, the band that Q Magazine dubbed "The best British metal band to emerge in years", the Welsh metal-core band Bullet For My Valentine who spent most of the past two years taking over the world with massive U.K., European, U.S. and worldwide tours, sharing the stage with Guns N Roses, Metallica and Iron Maiden, playing the Main Stage at just about every rock festival on the planet!

The Coca-Cola Zero^TM Fest will also feature local favourites like Zebra and Giraffe, The Dirty Skirts, and more.

The Coca-Cola Zero^TM Fest in association with 5FM will take place at Johannesburg's New Market Racecourse on Friday, 10 April 2009 and Cape Town's Ostrich Farm on Monday, 13 April 2009.

Taste life as it should be – Real Coke Taste, Zero Sugar. Grab Coca-Cola Zero^TM, tune into 5FM and watch this space, as we announce more details.

Coca-Cola Zero^TM Fest in association with 5FM is going to rock you!

For more information visit www.cokezero.co.za and www.5fm.co.za.

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It's great to see more and more international artists adding South Africa to their tours!

DoGoN

2009-01-21T18:37:00.002+02:00

I simply love this building's design.

A welcomed change

2009-01-21T11:12:00.002+02:00

This area was apparently terrible, but thanks to the restoration you can see being undertaken in the photo it's looking much better as of late.

It is located on near on an intersection between Biccard and Simmonds Streets on the way from Braamfontein next to the Noord Taxi Rank.

Pritchard Street Dining

2009-01-21T11:10:00.001+02:00

A restaurant, Jax, situated in Pritchard Street. If you look carefully you'll also see pedestrian walkway paving been laid. That work is now finished.

Apartments

2009-01-21T11:08:00.001+02:00

On the right we have a restored block of apartments. It's amazing what a new paint job can do to a place!

A Corner Cafe

2009-01-21T09:08:00.002+02:00

This photo has recently been the "victim" of some minor "controversy" on a somewhat rival blog. Said blog, which I'll not name, focuses on the negative aspects of Johannesburg. The owner, who has been out of the country for a number of years, and who abandoned his blog for a year, somehow thinks he is in the know as to the current state of Joburg.

The issue he had was that it is all very well and good that the above building was restored, but that the building next to it was not. He posted a photo of the building next to it and proceeded to mock the apparent sad attempt of some of his readers to point out the truth to him. In the process of being so closed-minded he completely and utterly missed the point of the photo. As I've mentioned before, it's a given that Johannesburg is far from in a perfect state, but the fact of the matter is that the restorations and new additions are proceeding at a pace that exceeds that of the deteriorations. In simple English this means that the city is getting it's act together and I will support my claim 100% with photos and information.

Street Art

2009-01-21T09:07:00.002+02:00

Here's another set of photos displaying Johannesburg street art. It seems that soccer fever is truly starting to grip the country!

A block from Park Station

2009-01-21T09:03:00.002+02:00

Above is a building a block away from Park Station. City Property was busy with renovations in 2007. It will definitely compliment the new station when all cleaned up.

One of the greatest sights

2009-01-21T09:00:00.001+02:00

Hillbrow is undergoing a springclean on a massive scale. Such people should soon be a common sight.

Some construction in Braamfontein

2009-01-21T00:40:00.003+02:00

Yet another photo from back in 2007.

You might be wondering why I'm posting so many 2007 photos. Well I've come across a good number of photos from a friend so I've decided to post them in chronological order so as to keep things organised. The photos will become more and more recent over time. I thought it would be a waste not to show them simply because they're fairly old.

Pritchard Street

2009-01-21T00:37:00.002+02:00

Here's another building that was set for refurbishment in 2007. It was most likely finished some time last year.

Back in 2007

2009-01-20T21:34:00.002+02:00

Most likely finished by now, back in 2007 the building in the above photo with the broken windows stood in line for a refurbishment. I'll see what I can do with regards to getting a "now" photo to compliment the "then" photo.

The bad - it exists

2009-01-20T21:21:00.005+02:00

I am in no way here to cover up the truth and pretend that Johannesburg is perfect. It is an indisputable fact that the city has many hurdles that it needs to cross. Buildings such as the one above do exist in the city, but thinking that the existence of such buildings means that the city is on a continuing downspiral would be taking a very negative stance.

Each and every city has its slums. Johannesburg is no exception. In fact, the slum problem is more apparent here than in many other cities in the world. But one must understand that the reinvention of a once rich and thriving city does not happen overnight. Whilst Joburg may still be thriving, it doesn't display the wealth it possesses on the outside. Only through the refurbishment of old buildings and the construction of new buildings will Johannesburg begin to make a name for itself once more. It's almost a given that in time the above building will have a facelift, or possibly be demolished and another building be built in its place.

If through this blog my readers learn one thing, I want it to be this: Johannesburg is far from in perfect shape, but the refurbishments and new constructions are proceeding at a pace that far exceeds the rate at which buildings and the city as a whole are deteriorating.

Note: the above photo was taken in 2007. For all we know it could have already been refurbished/demolished!

Yet more street art

2009-01-20T21:16:00.002+02:00

It's small details such as those above that add character to a city. Once again I bring street art to your attention. This time, however, quite literally! Such art is normally appreciated or hated, and art such as this is no exception to that rule. One may hate it, but in my opinion it does much to brighten up the area, give it an African feel, yet still ensure that the surroundings don't look cheap as a result of it.

A Hillbrow conversion

2009-01-20T21:15:00.001+02:00

This building was refurbished back in 2007. Whilst not particularly great in design, there is no mistaking the fact that it looks presentable and that it adds to the surrounding area as a result of it's cleanliness.

Marshall Street

2009-01-20T20:40:00.001+02:00

I can't wait for the day the whole of Johannesburg's streets look like this. Clean, well-kept and somewhere where one wants not only to work, but also live.

Corner of Pritchard and Eloff Street

2009-01-20T15:34:00.000+02:00

Gautrain: The Stations (Part 4 of 10) - Marlboro Station

2009-01-20T04:40:00.002+02:00

Another one of my personal favourite stations.

Standard Bank expansion (26F)

2009-01-20T00:19:00.002+02:00

Finally! Some new high-rise developments in the CBD. Above are the renders for the new Standard Bank towers, which will add a good 100 000m2 of space to the bank's disposal. It's great to see someone take initiative and aim, quite literally, higher than most currently are. Kudos to S.B!

ABSA Towers West (10F)

2009-01-20T00:15:00.002+02:00

In-amongst all these restorations, there are plenty of new developments taking place. Above is the progress of the new ABSA Towers West, which are situated next to the current ABSA towers.

More BRT

2009-01-19T23:27:00.001+02:00

Above are a few more photos and images I've sourced from the internet for your viewing pleasure. They detail the construction and final product of the system. It's all very modern and will play a key role in re-defining Johannesburg as a modern city of wealth and opportunity.

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system

2009-01-19T22:17:00.004+02:00

I mentioned a few posts back that Johannesburg, along with Cape Town, is implementing a Bus Rapid Transit system. This system consists of dedicated lanes and stations that will be used by BRT buses. It will be safe, efficient, cheap and easy to use.

Above is a BRT station in a render and the actual implementation of one. You'll notice that the sleek and modern design of the station itself allows for passengers to wait undercover for the bus. Keep a look out for similar stations popping up in your area!

This exciting new development is named "Rea Vaya." You can find out everything you'll need to know, including route maps and the latest news from the official website.

Bellavista in Plein Street

2009-01-19T21:57:00.002+02:00

This is simply wonderful architecture! Who would have thought at first glance that Joburg would be home to beauties such as this?

Driving down Commissioner Street

2009-01-19T01:02:00.003+02:00

You'll notice some road construction in the first and last photos above. That's work related to Johannesburg's BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. This system basically consists of dedicated lanes and stations that will be used by special buses. The entire system will be closely monitored and is designed to act as a safe and easy-to-use alternative to taxis, rail, private car and other transport methods.

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 3 of 10 (Sandton Station)

2009-01-19T00:57:00.002+02:00

This is my personal favourite of all the Gautrain stations. It's big, it's bold and it's beautiful. In fact, three better words to describe it would be "sexy," "sleek" and "modern."

Part 5 of 5

2009-01-19T00:56:00.002+02:00

Well folks, that's the last in the series of photos I received from a friend. I hope you enjoyed them and thanks again to the man who took them all!

Nedbank Tower - Marshall/Loveday Street

2009-01-18T15:45:00.001+02:00

A refurbishment across the road from the Carlton, near the ABSA campus

2009-01-18T15:16:00.001+02:00

Apparently only a year ago a butchery occupied the ground floor, and that combined with other factors lead to the place smelling like an open sewer. What an improvement!

Bridge Views Apartments, Braamies

2009-01-18T15:14:00.001+02:00

A "dying" city riddled with new developments? Sure.

Live stadium webcam

2009-01-18T02:56:00.002+02:00

If you love stadiums and/or construction...you'll love this! A live webcam constantly broadcasting the construction of Soccer City stadium on the outskirts of Soweto.

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 2 of 10 (Rosebank Station)

2009-01-18T02:43:00.002+02:00

JRA

2009-01-18T02:37:00.001+02:00

Sexy curves and lines might I add...

Part 4 of 5

2009-01-18T02:35:00.001+02:00

Yet again one will notice how Jozi is leaning towards defining itself as an arts city.

Gautrain: The Stations - Part 1 of 10 (Park Station)

2009-01-17T22:41:00.005+02:00

The Gautrain will be Africa's first Rapid Rail Link. It will zip between Pretoria and Johannesburg, with numerous stops along the way, at an impressive 160km/h. Above is Park Station - the first of the 10 currently-planned Gautrain stations.

All images are courtesy of the official Gautrain website.

Sandton City - the future

2009-01-17T18:20:00.003+02:00

If you've been to Sandton City lately, you may have noticed on-going construction work. Well folks, this is what you'll be presented with when work is complete! The development is being undertaken in phases. The first phase involves the overhaul of the shopping centre, with a 30 000m2 addition to it. The next phase will see the construction of residential blocks, the re-cladding of the existing towers and the most anticipated part of the development - the construction of the new 80F office tower. Not only will this be a looker, as seen in the above renders, but it will take over from the Carlton as Africa's new tallest tower.

Century Insurance Building

2009-01-17T17:55:00.000+02:00

The Markade, Mooi Street (close to the Carlton)

2009-01-17T17:53:00.001+02:00

Definitely a job well done!

Another Newtown refurbishment

2009-01-17T17:52:00.001+02:00

Biccard House, Braamies

2009-01-17T17:01:00.000+02:00

Ghandi Square

2009-01-17T16:55:00.002+02:00

One of the true success stories of Johannesburg. This little gem in the heart of Joburg has gone from a place of filth, where garbage was piling up in the streets, to a true public square in which new restaurants seem to be opening up on an almost daily basis.

Fancy some food?

2009-01-17T16:47:00.001+02:00

McDonald's in Rissik Street.

Sometimes a refurbishment just doesn't cut it...

2009-01-17T16:44:00.000+02:00

...and a demolition is in order! Out with the old and in with the new. There's no mistaking that whatever will be rising in its place will be yet another improvement to Johannesburg.

Part 3 of 5

2009-01-17T01:24:00.000+02:00

Crime and Investment

2009-01-16T01:52:00.000+02:00

Whilst doing my daily round of internet trawling, I came across some interesting information on Wikipedia relating to Johannesburg I thought I'd like to share with my fellow readers.

Crime:

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) seems to be aiding Johannesburg immensensly in its ongoing battle against crime. As of the 11th of December 2008, every street corner in central Johannesburg is under CCTV surveillance. What this has lead to is a less than 60 second response time by police officials to crimes committed within the CBD. Apart from that, stolen or hijacked vehicles are easily detected as the system constantly scans the number plates of all vehicles in the area. That fact, as well as the fact that other methods of crime prevention will be implemented in the near future and beyond, may lead to one's perception of what's to come being a lot less bleak.

The ex-mayor of New York city, Rudolph Guiliani, has also been employed to help bring down the crime level with his experience in overseeing one of the world's most global cities.

Investment:

Love it or hate it, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is the driving force behind a whole host of investment in Johannesburg and other host cities. In the city centre alone, a massive R10 billion of investment is expected by 2010. This figure excludes direct FIFA World Cup investment. Between 2001 and 2006, R9 billion was invested in the same area. It doesn't take long to see just how large a sum of money this is by comparing those two figures.

The fruits of this development have been displayed via pictures in previous postings, and will continue to be provided in this and other methods to you in the future. One thing is for sure, and that is that the sleeping giant that is Johannesburg is only in its current state of anasthesia due to it undergoing plastic surgery to rival even that of Michael Jackson's...just with a much prettier ending!

Part 2 of 5

2009-01-16T01:24:00.000+02:00

Johannesburg is definitely establishing itself as an "arts city." Sculptures and street art are now a common sight, with more and more making its way into the CBD as new and exciting developments mix with the redevelopment of what is old.

Part 1 of 5

2009-01-15T15:01:00.000+02:00

I received some beautiful photos from a friend which I'll be posting here in a 5-part series. Above is the first photo.

Brand South Africa

2009-01-15T00:08:00.000+02:00

Below is an excellent commercial that aired on CNN between November and December 2007. It portrays not only Johannesburg, but South Africa in its entirety in a first-world view.

I'm sure there were many surprised viewers at the sight of our infrastructure development and general appeal as a nation.

The Royal - Eloff Street (+- 12F)

2009-01-14T15:42:00.000+02:00

But one of many transformations that have been completed. Many more are in progress and others yet are in the pipeline.

A completed restoration in Bree

2009-01-14T15:41:00.000+02:00

CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT: Yet another one in Bree

2009-01-14T15:40:00.000+02:00

Newtown Mall - Harrison/Bree. An entire block rejuvenated!

2009-01-14T15:39:00.000+02:00

Bradlows Building in Market

2009-01-14T15:37:00.000+02:00

CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT: Building next to Fashion Lofts in Commissioner Street (+- 25F, Citi Property)

2009-01-14T15:34:00.000+02:00

CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT: Building facing the Carlton in Commissioner Street

2009-01-14T15:32:00.000+02:00

New and Improved (Bree Street)

2009-01-14T15:31:00.000+02:00

CURRENTLY UNDERGOING REDEVELOPMENT: Corporation Building (11F, A3 Architects) (Commissioner Street)

2009-01-14T15:29:00.000+02:00