Newtown, Johannesburg

Newtown is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located in Region F and is one of five tourism developments aimed at inner-city regeneration.Historical backgroundAt the turn of the 20th century, the Newtown Precinct was known as "the Brickfields". This area was rich in clay, and brick making became the most popular form of generating income. By 1896, about 7,000 people of all races lived in the area, later named Burghersdorp.As this land was close to the centre of Johannesburg and the railway line, many businesses and immigrants coming from overseas bought stands in Burghersdorp. Soon, trading companies, banks, brick companies, a brewery, and fisheries moved into the area.In April 1904, the fire brigade set the area alight destroying everything in the inferno - a measure allegedly to combat the bubonic plague that had broken out. The area was surveyed, re-planned in unbecoming haste and renamed Newtown by October 1904, a commercial area where vast fortunes in milling, production of sugar and food merchandising would be made.CleanupAs with major cities in some regions of the world, Johannesburg's city centre has been through a period of stagnation and degeneration. However, in the past few years a number of initiatives have been adopted to reverse these trends. One of the most important of these is the Greater Newtown Development.The establishment of a City Improvement District, the installation of closed-circuit TV (CCTV), the upgrading of existing buildings and public open spaces have turned Newtown into a safe, secure and attractive environment. Mary Fitzgerald Square regularly hosts public performances and gatherings. With lighting designed by renowned French lighting designer, Patrick Rimoux, Newtown has been transformed into a well-lit, attractive destination.