As part of the City of Johannesburg’s Inner City Partnership (JICP), the city has partnered with the Africa Housing Company (AFHCO) to upgrade the old Post Office in Jeppe Street into a mixed use development.

AFHCO has set aside approximately R450 million for the upgrade because it saw potential in the building after it fell into disrepair and became under-utilised.

“We are excited about the public/private partnership collaboration which will make the inner city housing market work better for the poor,” says Funzela Ngobeni MMC for Development Planning.

The first phase of the development is already underway and AFHCO is working closely with DDT Project Management, Heritage Architects and Sprunt Architects, to ensure that the social, heritage and commercial aspects are balanced in the development.

Protecting the heritage

AFHCO is also in conversation with the city to fast track building plan submission, heritage processes and rebates on the building.

“The City and AFHCO are committed to ensure that the heritage significance of the building is preserved even as the building undergoes refurbishment to restore it to its former condition,” the municipality notes.

“AFHCO has extensive experience with sensitive buildings and we are confident that the project will meet the City of Johannesburg’s building regulations and standards. We will continue to contribute to the upliftment of the inner city and wider Johannesburg area,” says Tiiso Masipa, Development Manager responsible for refurbishing the building.

The layout of the building will be tailored to meet individual client’s needs accommodating single people as well as small families, creating eclectic spaces and relationship between zones allowing their precinct to flourish.