Anglo American sells 55 Marshall Street to support Johannesburg CBD renewal

Anglo American has sold its 55 Marshall Street building in Johannesburg to Olitzki Property Holdings. Photo: Flickr

Anglo American has sold its 55 Marshall Street building in Johannesburg to Olitzki Property Holdings. Photo: Flickr

Published Nov 7, 2024

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Anglo American has sold its 55 Marshall Street building in Johannesburg to Olitzki Property Holdings (OPH), a leading inner-city redeveloper.

The sale is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to revitalising Johannesburg’s Central Business District (CBD) and forms a key part of its broader strategy to contribute to sustainable urban renewal.

The 50000 square metre building, originally constructed in 1999 and formerly the corporate headquarters of Anglo American Platinum, will be repurposed by OPH into a vibrant hub for public and commercial activity.

OPH, known for its successful redevelopment projects in the area, including Gandhi Square, will ensure the building becomes an integral part of Johannesburg’s dynamic city life once again.

Nolitha Fakude, the chairperson of Anglo American’s management board in South Africa, said in a statement on Thursday: “Our history has deep roots in Johannesburg CBD, and we see this sale as a continuation of our legacy in the city. It is part of our broader vision to 'Enable the Future' by creating a sustainable precinct that reflects Anglo American’s heritage while serving the next generation of city dwellers, innovators, and businesses.”

Anglo American’s partnership with OPH is a strategic move in the company’s long-term vision for Johannesburg’s urban renewal.

Fakude said, “Supporting the renewal of Johannesburg's inner city bolsters the long-term vision for sustainable growth and development, which is crucial for Johannesburg's economic health and job creation potential."

The sale of 55 Marshall Street is one of several initiatives by Anglo American aimed at preserving the city's heritage while promoting innovation. In 2023, the company handed over the 45 Main Street building to the Maharishi Institute to create an educational campus, while the 47 Main Street building is set to become the WITS Crucible business incubator by 2025. The company also plans to transform its 44 Main Street building into a mixed-use space focused on youth development.

In addition to these efforts, Anglo American co-founded the Jozi My Jozi initiative, which aims to address critical infrastructure needs in the CBD. The initiative has already supported repairs to key city landmarks such as the Mandela Bridge, in collaboration with the Johannesburg City Council, and other key stakeholders.

Fakude said: “By driving urban renewal and investing in educational and business incubators, we are contributing to the economic potential and job creation capacity of the city. Johannesburg’s inner city remains a vital economic hub, and we are proud to play a role in its continued transformation.”

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