Victoria Yards:

A remarkable corner of Johannesburg

On the very fringe of the Joburg CBD sits the suburb of Lorentzville. It’s flanked by Berea and Kensington, and to say that it’s not exactly salubrious, is a serious understatement. And that’s what makes the Victoria Yards development even more special …

Water feature, created by a resident artist

Victoria Yards, originally established in 1913 as the “New York Steam Laundry”, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially serving hospitals and institutions, in the 1990s the development housed garment makers and small businesses.

In 2015, the site was reimagined by entrepreneur, Brian Green, as a vibrant hub that blends art, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Have a look at some of the amazing before and after shots on the Victoria Yards website: https://www.victoriayards.co.za/before/after

Emphasising community upliftment, urban farming, and local art and craft, Victoria Yards now brings together artists, artisans, and creative enterprises in a unique ecosystem. The development prioritises sustainability, inclusivity, and regeneration, turning a once-industrial site into a thriving space for cultural and economic collaboration in Johannesburg’s inner city.

I first visited Victoria Yards in 2019. Still in the early stages of development, I was struck even then by the impact this precinct was having on the surrounding community.

Six years later and this special place has grown into a green oasis, with fruit and vegetables, flowers and all manner of green things in every nook and cranny. Butterflies, bees and birds abound, and enough produce is grown to sustain a monthly farmers’ market.

The number of tenants has grown and now social enterprises, artists, artisans and restaurants share resources and knowledge, and present unique offerings to visitors.

Victoria Yards in more than just a funky development, it’s part of a community. And that community is underprivileged and facing severe challenges.

And here too Victoria Yards in making a difference, offering workshops and classes to members of the local community. Resident artists and artisans share their knowledge and skills, and these tenants can in turn avail themselves of business workshops and the like.

But the greatest positive impact is on the youth from the surrounding suburbs. Many of these young people live in horrendous circumstances, but here they are offered a safe haven and a place to learn and grow. Through the extraordinary, “Safe Study”, kids of all ages can come after school and on Saturday mornings to learn new skills, hang out, and have fun in a safe, nurturing environment. They learn to sew and crochet, play chess, and even skateboard. And they make beautiful music!