BG Alexander

Johannesburg’s inner city is undergoing a transformation as investors refurbish old buildings. This has served to increase property values in the inner city making it increasingly difficult for poorer people to find accommodation in the area. Both land and buildings available for social housing are becoming increasingly scarce. A JOSHCO Inner City rejuvenation project, B G Alexander is located in the heart of Hillbrow. Formerly a nurse’s home and training facility, the building had become derelict and attracted the homeless in spite of the fact that the water pipes were broken and the sewerage system had collapsed. Illegal occupants were evicted and the building was revamped according to a three-phase rejuvenation plan.

In response to market demands, JOSHCO has converted part of the building into single-room accommodation. Phase one of the project created 228 communal housing units and cost R12 million. The single rooms share ablutions, kitchens, laundry rooms and common rooms and are aimed at people who are part of the Ellis Park/Bertrams Inner City Renewal Project who earn less than R3 500 per month.

Phase two includes the construction of bachelor, one and two bedroom rental apartments. In total, the project consists of 490 units consisting of 376 communal housing rooms, six bachelor units, 15 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments and 81 emergency housing beds.

The final phase of the project includes the rejuvenation and building of a training centre, a community kitchen, four recreation halls, a sports area, a crèche able to accommodate 160 children, an auditorium and offices to provide community and social services.