Braamfontein

Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Lying just outside the Johannesburg CBD, north of the city, Braamfontein suffered a literal exodus of businesses and institutions as the centre of Johannesburg moved out to Sandton and the northern suburbs, but it never decayed as some of the inner city has done. Instead, Braamfontein has became home to a less formal economy.

Braamfontein became part of Jo'burg as far back as 1886. It has history, even if it began its life as a farm. Over time it became part of the vibrant business district that was Jo'burg's Central Business District. Today the area has got a new lease on life.

The city's regeneration initiative, headed by the Johannesburg Development Agency and various property owners, has painted this part of town with a new brush. Hawkers in the area have been controlled by legislation and the city has persuaded Sappi, Liberty Life, JD Group and others who remained in the district, to upgrade their buildings. Braamfontein is now marketed as the fourth-largest node for office space in the city of Johannesburg.

The colourful suburb of Braamfontein is linked to buzzing Newtown by the Nelson Mandela Bridge, regarded as a gateway into the city centre.

Newtown has been transformed into a safe and attractive place to work, live and visit and the original unique character of the Market Theatre and Kippies, the cosy club at which most of the country's jazz greats perform, now in a new venue, have been joined by restaurants and the Newtown Music Centre. Don't forget the Oriental Plaza just around the corner from Newtown.

Travellers' Reviews

1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewexcellent

My family and I really enjoyed it here I would have never had the chance to go there if it wasnt for my bio teacher who gave us a project on open areas it is wonderful and a must see.

Shannon (johannesburg)