Reimagining Johannesburg’s High Court precinct

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10-12-2025
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Joburg.org.za
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The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, has begun implementing the High Court Precinct Public Environment Upgrade (PEU) Project — a major initiative to transform the public environment around the Johannesburg High Court into a safer, more accessible and vibrant urban precinct.

The project focuses on the area surrounding the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court in the Johannesburg CBD. The precinct is bounded by Lillian Ngoyi Street (north), Delvers Street (east), Helen Joseph Street (south) and Eloff Street (west). The area is currently characterised by mixed commercial, residential, retail and informal trading activity, and contains key public amenities such as toilets and street furniture.

The upgrade aims to elevate this important civic node to reflect the dignity, accessibility and functionality expected of a modern judicial precinct. The 2023 review of the High Court Precinct Plan updated the vision to align with the City's broader urban development goals, seeking to:

• Improve safety and walkability
• Support economic growth and investment
• Strengthen urban management
• Build partnerships with public and private stakeholders
• Enhance cleanliness, attractiveness and usability of public spaces
• Promote local and foreign investment through a well-managed precinct

Scope and progress

The PEU entails comprehensive planning, design, stakeholder engagement and construction oversight. The JDA's responsibilities include:

• Reviewing concept and preliminary designs
• Preparing detailed designs
• Supervising construction
• Implementing urban management initiatives
• Project close-out and monitoring

Engagement with residents, businesses and City departments continues to ensure alignment with user needs.

Design and infrastructure enhancements

Proposed interventions include:

• Reorganising parking, access and drop-off areas
• Upgrading street furniture and urban materials
• Adding new walkways, benches, bins, trees and landscaping
• Extending kerb lines and installing bollards for pedestrian safety
• Integrating Universal Access features at intersections
• Kruis Street redesigned as a one-way route travelling south toward Helen Joseph Street

Driving inner city regeneration

Speaking on the importance of the project, Eric Raboshakga, the Executive Director for Development Planning, said: “The High Court Precinct Public Environment Upgrade is a key component of Johannesburg's broader inner-city regeneration agenda."

“By improving safety, accessibility, and urban management, this project reinforces the City's commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant, and investor-friendly spaces," he said.

Themba Mathibe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency, said: “The JDA's work within the High Court Precinct aligns with the City of Johannesburg's strategic objectives to revitalise the CBD, enhance public environments, and stimulate local economic activity through well-designed, safe, and accessible urban spaces."