New R341 million Wits Cultural Precinct to transform Braamfontein

A major investment by Wits University is set to bring new arts, cultural and lifestyle spaces to Braamfontein as part of a five-year project aimed at strengthening the connection between the university and Johannesburg.

Wits has announced the development of a R341 million Cultural Precinct, which will expand and link existing arts, performance and heritage facilities on the south-eastern edge of its campus.

The project will include upgraded academic facilities, theatres, exhibition and performance spaces, as well as lifestyle areas that will be accessible to members of the public.

Among the facilities planned are the Wits Art Museum, Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts, Chris Seabrooke Music Hall, a new Digital Arts building and additional space for the Wits School of Arts.

The development will also consolidate Wits’ music facilities and expand the Wits Theatre Complex, including new exhibition and foyer spaces, Fine Arts facilities, an amphitheatre and a rooftop extension.

Restaurants, coffee shops, bookshops and other lifestyle businesses are also planned for the precinct.

Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, said “the development reflects the university’s long-standing relationship with Johannesburg and its role in the city’s social, cultural and economic life.”

“The Cultural Precinct is about opening Wits to Johannesburg and creating spaces where students, artists, scholars and the public can meet, create and exchange ideas,” said Vilakazi.

The project is being supported by a major donation from Wits alumnus, Chris Seabrooke, through the Seabrooke Family Trust. Wits said the donation of shares is expected to fund the majority of the estimated R341 million capital cost, with the university contributing the balance.

Seabrooke, who is the CEO of Sabvest and a former chairman of the State Theatre of South Africa, said the investment aims to create a place that belongs not only to the university community but also to Johannesburg.

The precinct forms part of a wider cultural and innovation ecosystem in the city that includes the Joburg Theatre, Market Theatre, Sci-Bono, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and Constitutional Court.

Wits said the development is expected to strengthen Braamfontein’s role as a meeting point for culture, education, creativity and innovation while opening more of the university’s cultural resources to the public.

Construction and development are planned over a five-year period.