The inner city of Krugersdorp faces several critical challenges, including urban decay, neglected and aging infrastructure, and deteriorating buildings. What was once the heart of the metropolis, the historic Central Business District (CBD), is now marked by instability, illegal land use, safety concerns, underutilized public spaces, and a growing homeless population, all of which continue to fuel its decline.
To reverse this trajectory, the municipality secured grant funding from National Treasury to support the development of the Krugersdorp CBD Precinct Plan, originally approved in 2017. This comprehensive plan outlines targeted interventions designed to bring new economic and social life to the CBD, fostering an environment that attracts both public and private investment while reinforcing the city’s distinct character and identity.
Laying the foundation: The CBD Sub-Precinct Programme
As a key component of the broader revitalisation strategy, the CBD Sub-Precinct Programme marks the first stage in implementing the Precinct Plan’s vision. This sub-precinct focuses on a northern portion of the CBD, anchored by several key sites: the under-construction Mogale City Civic Centre, the recently completed once-infamous taxi rank, the existing President Square Shopping Centre, and the old Bob van Reenen Stadium site. Funded through National Treasury as part of the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme, the Sub-Precinct Programme aligns with national development priorities, particularly the goal of addressing spatial inequality – a central pillar of South Africa’s National Development Plan.
A Civic Centre with a historic legacy
At the heart of this transformation stands the historic Municipal Civic Centre – a National Heritage Site originally designed by architect Chris Hosking in 1907, with later extensions in 1985 by Wilhelm Meyer.
While the building remains a cultural and architectural landmark, it no longer meets the partial and functional needs of Mogale City’s growing administration. Currently, municipal offices are scattered across multiple rented buildings including IEC, Ellerines and other buildings resulting in inefficiencies and annual rental costs exceeding R 2.7million.
Studies show that at least 30 000 m2 of additional net office space is required to consolidate municipal functions and improve service delivery. By centralising key municipal departments in a slinge modern facility, residents will no longer need to move between multiple offices to access basic services. This “one stop” model brings departments closer together, improving coordination, reducing turnaround times, making it easier for residents to resolve queries in one location.
To achieve this, the city has embarked on a phased expansion of the Civic Centre, with Phase One to deliver 5 000 m2 of net office space and a total gross floor area of 13 600 m2. The six-storey development will include two levels of parking and four levels of office space.
More significantly, beyond reducing costly rentals the expanded Civic Centre will serve as the anchor project for the wider precinct, linking to existing and planned projects such as the historic Nederduits Hervormde Kerk building (constructed in 1936), proposed upgrades to President, Kruger, and Market Streets, and major catalytic developments including Bob van Reenen Stadium, Coronation Park Redevelopment, Fountain Street Market, Library Square, and the Krugersdorp Station Precinct.
Modern design for a sustainable future
From modern design principles to operational efficiency, the new civic centre incorporates features that ensure long-term durability, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness:
- Architectural features: Optimised building orientation, screen walls, tinted double glazing to reduce solar heat gain
- Mechanical systems: Energy-efficient central air conditioning with a smart building management system to monitor and control water use, fire alarms, and maintenance operations
- Electrical design: LED lighting and occupancy sensors to prevent unnecessary energy use, complemented by large glass façades for natural light and power reduction
- Safety: A dedicated fire escape on each floor to ensure compliance and occupant safety
Phase One of construction is expected to be completed by 2026.
A vision beyond Infrastructure
The goal of this precinct development extends beyond physical infrastructure. It seeks to reignite the social, cultural, and economic vitality of the inner city – transforming it into a vibrant hub of commerce, creativity, and community life. The area is envisioned as a mixed-use, people-centred urban space that attracts residents, investors, and visitors while promoting safety, accessibility, and inclusive growth.
While the Civic Centre project has faced public criticism, including allegations of mismanaged funds, it is important to clarify that the development is predominantly grant-funded and operates under strict regulatory oversight. Above all, it represents a strategic and transparent investment in Mogale City’s future – one that supports better governance, enhanced service delivery, and sustained economic growth.
This initiative therefore stands as a cornerstone of Mogale City’s long-term development vision, marking not just the construction of a new building but a bold and forward-looking step toward the complete revitalisation of the inner city.