City dwellers had the opportunity to witness first-hand how a pedestrianized Joubert Street might look like in future when the Hello JOUBERT initiative, a tactical urbanism project on Joubert Street between Plein and Kerk streets, took place from 14 June 2021 to 25 June 2021.

The initiative which was part of the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning department and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), was aimed at testing and researching temporary closures of Joubert Street.

Though the project was aimed at enhancing what exists on the street, a multitude of activations also took place to allow pedestrians to experience moments of safe pause, play and to shop the wonderful offerings from informal traders on the street.

Read: The Johannesburg International Transport Interchange Progress

Block one of activations between Lilian Ngoyi and Plein streets was open for traffic flow, with street lighting and painting taking place. Block two between Rahima Moosa and Lilian Ngoyi streets featured pallet furniture with activations with sport activities such as basketball, table tennis and six-a-side soccer.

The third and final block on Joubert Street between Kerk and Rahima Moosa streets saw street furniture out on display with seating areas distributed along the street.

Once completed, the study is expected to provide valuable information to the City for the future of Joubert Street, which is a critical north-south spine in the inner city, and more broadly critical insights for pedestrianization of streets across the City.