Originally owned by James Gillooly, the 44ha property - known for its lake, walking trails, birdlife, picnic areas and open lawns - was sold to the city council in 1944 and named in his honour. Reimagined as Gillooly’s Gardens, the property is being positioned as a botanical garden and lifestyle destination while retaining its role as a public open space.
The project aims to preserve the character that has made Gillooly’s a familiar destination, while introducing new opportunities for recreation, dining, markets and cultural experiences. Rather than transforming the property into a conventional commercial or events venue, the development is centred on long-term stewardship, environmental care and community use.
At the heart of the renewed destination will be Gather, a family restaurant curated by Coco & J, alongside the Good Stuff Market, family-friendly activities, community events and planned live performances, adding new layers to the historic property.
The vision for Gillooly’s Gardens is deeply aligned with the culture and DNA of Coco & J. As the husband-and-wife duo behind one of South Africa’s most loved lifestyle brands, they have built a community around food, family, music, creativity and meaningful connection in a way that feels both personal and authentic.
Best known as the lead vocalist of the award-winning band Mi Casa, J’Something has also established himself as a respected chef, television personality and restaurateur. That same passion for food and hospitality is shared by his wife Coco, a content creator and entrepreneur who works alongside him to shape experiences and stories that celebrate culture, cooking, family and everyday moments.
Coco & J will play a central role in the culinary curation of Gather, as well as the Good Stuff Market, helping shape the food, hospitality, and overall experience of both offerings. Together, the couple bring a natural warmth and human identity to Gillooly’s Gardens. Their involvement is not an endorsement - the project is an extension of how they live, create and bring people together, translating the Coco & J philosophy into a physical destination where Johannesburg can gather, connect and feel at home.
Coco & J explained: “We want to create a space that brings people together. A space that celebrates good food, good people, community and connection. A space that feels like home.”
The team behind Gillooly’s Gardens brings over 25 years of experiences across hospitality and live experiences. Their portfolio includes some of South Africa’s most trendy and award-winning restaurants, venues and cultural spaces, including Artistry, The Palace Bar Company (Katy’s Palace and Sir James Van Der Merwe Bar), The Ivy, Obscura, and The Ostrich in Cape Town, with several new exciting restaurants and bars set to open in the city during 2026 and 2027.
The ambition is not for Gillooly’s Gardens to become Bedfordview’s busiest destination, but its most loved. Gillooly’s is a place that earns trust through consistent care and creates a lasting sense of belonging for the people who visit. This next chapter honours that rich history.
Gillooly’s Gardens is not being relaunched simply as an events venue or commercial development, it is being restored as a botanical garden and a lifestyle ecosystem.
The natural environment and public experience remain central to every decision, with food, markets, recreation and cultural programming designed to support the gardens rather than replace its character. The project is guided by a commitment to long-term stewardship, community connection, environmental care and public benefit.
As Gillooly’s Gardens moves closer to opening its gates, more details will be shared about the restoration journey, the opening of Gather, the Good Stuff Market, family-friendly experiences and a programme of live shows planned for later this year.
Each announcement will offer a closer look at the people, ideas and experiences shaping this next chapter. Above all, Gillooly’s Gardens is being created as a place for Bedfordview residents to return to, make new memories and feel a genuine sense of belonging - a space where everyone can gather, connect and feel at home.
