Newtown, Johannesburg

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Newtown Precinct was named "the Brickfields". By 1896, approximately 7,000 people[5] lived in the town.

Brickfields' from Ed Charlton's opinion attracted a number of industries, such as trade firms, banks, brick factories, a brewery, and fisheries, as well as immigrants from other nations.[6]

In April 1904, Mahatma Gandi declared an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Brickfield. The plague caused 82 fatalities and 112 people were reportedly diagnosed with it.[7] The local government initiated the fire brigade to start fires within the town aiming to cease the plague.

Originally built between 1927-34, the Turbine Hall became the largest 'three steam-driven' power stations. It is situated in the middle of Newtown and has been deemed an iconic building in the art and culture precinct.[8]

The Greater Newtown Construction, was initiated by City of Johannesburg Municipality Council, which rehabilitated old suburb structures, "enhanced public open spaces," and introduced closed-circuit television.[9]

Within the development of Newtown, it's street lighting was designed by the French engineer Patrick Rimoux.[10]

Johannesburg City Council, partnered with Gauteng Agency Blue IQ, in a project to develop the community of Newtown.[11] The project includes building five housing developments in which Council states"[it will] cater for different levels of income".[12]

The plan details that over 2,000 housing units will be built, within the next few years. The Nelson Mandela Bridge was inaugurated on 20 July 2003,[13] and is the northern entrance to Newtown.