A ZAR240 million revamp project is set to introduce modern urban farming to one of the oldest suburbs in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Once complete, the conversion of an old condemned skills centre in Bertrams, on the eastern edge of Johannesburg’s central business district, will feature a street-facing urban garden, agricultural training facilities as well as hydroponic and aquaponic operations, among other amenities. The garden will also be planted vertically on the walls of the centre and extend to the roof for additional planting space.

The initiative forms part of the City of Johannesburg’s Golden Repair for Joburg project, which aims to overhaul and improve the city’s infrastructure. According to Business Tech, the upgraded multipurpose centre will also feature a community hall, senior citizens support, a women’s empowerment centre, child aftercare and social development offices, as well as youth and skills development facilities. The project is managed by the Johannesburg Development Agency and is scheduled for overall completion by June 2023.

Executive mayor Mpho Phalatse says the new facility will support local labour and SMEs. ‘Bertrams is one of the oldest suburbs in our city and will soon boast a shiny new facility offering all the city’s social development products and services to the people of Region F. The new Bertrams Multi-Purpose Centre will bring City of Johannesburg services closer to the community of Bertrams, including the surrounding areas.’

The first phase of construction will cost ZAR35 million and will run until October this year. Phase two is scheduled to begin in November.

7 June 2022
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