Future-proofing Joburg: JDA launches bold new Innovation District and Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan

The development of a Business Case and Concept Plan for the Empire Perth Innovation District has been officially launched by the City of Johannesburg, through the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). 

The area-based development agency is inviting the public, partners and stakeholders to help shape its future.

Positioning Johannesburg as a leading hub for innovation, research, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The JDA says the Innovation District is a bold, forward‑looking initiative aimed at positioning Johannesburg as a leading hub for innovation, research, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

It says by bringing together businesses, universities, research institutions, innovators and government, the district seeks to unlock new opportunities, attract investment and create sustainable jobs for residents.

Why the Innovation District matters

The Empire Perth Innovation District is said to be envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where ideas can be tested, businesses can grow and talent can thrive. 

The initiative will:

• Encourage collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector.

• Support start‑ups, entrepreneurs and innovation‑led enterprises.

• Stimulate local economic development and regeneration.

• Contribute to long‑term job creation and skills development.

The Business Case and Concept Plan will act as a strategic roadmap, identifying priority interventions, catalytic projects and partnership opportunities needed to turn the vision into reality.

Project location 

The study area extends from Helen Joseph Hospital in the west to the University of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein Campus in the east, with particular focus on the Empire-Perth Corridor-an area with significant potential for innovation‑driven urban renewal.

Stakeholders participation

The City and JDA say they recognised that inclusive planning is essential to delivering a successful Innovation District. It says community voices, institutional partners, businesses and innovators all have a role to play.

Two rounds of stakeholder engagement will be conducted to ensure that ideas, concerns and aspirations are meaningfully integrated into the planning process.

As part of this process, members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to participate in an online Public Meeting on Tuesday, April 7 from 5pm to 8pm. 

The City and JDA say this meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, share local insights, and help guide the future direction of the Innovation District.

How to participate

Stakeholders who wish to take part in the study and attend the online Public Meeting are encouraged to register their interest by contacting the project team on [email protected].

Draft Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg also invites all interested and affected stakeholders to review and provide comments on the Draft Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan. 

The draft plan outlines key findings, progress updates and recommendations relating to the implementation of the project.

The JDA says it values stakeholder participation and encourages all interested parties to contribute their inputs to ensure that the final plan reflects inclusive and informed perspectives.

Pressing and growing need for low-cost housing within Johannesburg

According to the report, there is a pressing and growing need for low-cost housing within the precinct and Johannesburg’s inner city as a whole, as evidenced by the proliferation of informal settlements and hijacked buildings within the inner city.

It says this housing crisis is driven by rapid urban migration, economic hardship and a shortage of affordable formal accommodation.

“As a result, many vulnerable residents have resorted to occupying abandoned or underutilised buildings which pose serious risks to safety, service delivery and urban management.” 

The Desmond Tutu Precinct is said to stand as a visionary cornerstone in Johannesburg’s journey toward inclusive urban revitalisation.

The report says by seamlessly integrating transport infrastructure, public space design and cultural heritage, the Precinct Plan not only honours the legacy of Archbishop Tutu but also reclaims the inner city as a place of pride, connection and possibility. 

“This precinct will serve as a living tribute, where movement, memory and meaning converge to shape a more equitable and vibrant urban future for all who call Johannesburg home.” 

In the report's introduction, JDA says the Precinct will be designed to strengthen connections to key transport nodes such as Park Station, promote walkability and support safe, efficient movement for all users.

It says by integrating transport, heritage and public space planning, the Desmond Tutu Precinct will serve as a catalytic project that not only commemorates a national icon, but also reclaims and reimagines the inner city as a place of pride, memory and opportunity.

The Desmond Tutu Precinct is located in the Johannesburg inner-city, within Region F of the Johannesburg Metropolitan area.

The study area is bounded by Sophie De Bruyn Street to the North, Claim/Mooi Street to the East, Harrison Street to the West and Commissioner Street to the South.

The Study Area covers an area of approximately 80.6 hectares.

Written comments will be accepted from March 20 until April 17. 

Written comments may be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line "Comments – Draft Desmond Tutu Precinct Plan".

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