The City of Johannesburg says it has initiated a comprehensive inner-city revitalisation plan to transform derelict and unsafe buildings into ‘secure, functional spaces’ while reviewing its property portfolio by identifying buildings to sell to private investors.

As part of the initiative, the municipality says it will rehabilitate buildings that have been declared uninhabitable by the courts, with the objective of leasing them to stimulate urban renewal, attract investment, drive economic growth, and to create employment opportunities.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration with property owners and investors, Councillor Nomoya Mnisi, MMC for Economic Development says that Johannesburg’s inner-city holds immense potential, but many buildings have been neglected or underutilised for years.

“As property owners, you are key partners in reclaiming, revitalising, and reimagining our city. Through the Joburg Property Company, the City is committed to working with investors and property owners—not against them—to unlock value and drive economic and social development.”

The municipality says it is currently prioritizing buildings that have been declared unsafe and are subject to court-ordered evacuations including the MOTH Building, the Vannin Building, CASA Mia, the Delvers Building, the Remington Building, the Wimbledon Building (Wolmarans Street), and the Big Busty Building (45 Edith Cavell Street), with temporary accommodation secured.

The revitalization strategy, approved by the Mayoral Committee in late March 2025, will be spearheaded by the City’s Strategic Projects Unit.