Propertuity purchases historic buildings in Johannesburg CBD

The buildings will in future be known as Chambers of Change, given the intended use of the space by advocates and attorneys. They were originally individually named Cuthberts Building, Hilson House, The Royalty, and Dunvegan Chambers.

Ricky Luntz, Propertuity's financial director, highlights how their success in Maboneng has led to the decision to continue buying in the Johannesburg CBD: "Maboneng reiterates the need for residents in a growing and thriving city to have a CBD they can engage with and enjoy. The success of the precinct on both an individual and overall level has shown that urban regeneration is both scalable and necessary. As such we will look to repeat the pattern, which is to retain the essence of the areas while using quality design, strategic activations and energy to regenerate them."

Propertuity is committed to the restoration and protection of heritage buildings, as well as driving regeneration in CBDs. The purchased buildings will become new chambers, and their excellent location just across from the High Court will encourage the return of the legal community to the CBD.

New legal community

Jonathan Liebmann, founder and CEO of Propertuity, states that the Chambers of Change will contribute significantly to the continued regeneration of this central precinct around the High Court. "We expect to house over 200 lawyers and advocates in the building; so the establishment of a new legal community is an important moment in the comeback of the Johannesburg CBD." These A-grade buildings will be restored to their original look, and will make for an excellent place of work while contributing to the redevelopment of this vital precinct.

The details are important, Luntz adds. "The chambers will have a community feel to them as a result of all the communal facilities. Boardrooms, rooftop restaurants and spas are all planned as part of the development, which will enable tenants to have a unique experience within the buildings.

"The spaces are being designed to have a chic feel to accommodate the professionals who will be occupying the spaces, but will still have elements of Propertuity's raw design features to distinguish it from surrounding buildings. The detailed attention to security and design, as well as proximity to the courts should make the space extremely desirable to the legal community."

The redevelopment of the upper levels will begin early next year, with completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2016.