Anglo American has concluded the sale of its 55 Marshall Street building to Olitzki Property Holdings (OPH), a well-respected inner-city redeveloper, marking a significant further step in the company’s commitment to the revitalisation of Johannesburg’s CBD. 55 Marshall Street was originally constructed in 1999 and previously served as the corporate headquarters of Anglo American Platinum.

This sale is part of Anglo American’s broader strategy to contribute to the rejuvenation of the Johannesburg CBD, an area that has played a key role in the company’s heritage since its founding in 1917. The future of the CBD campus, which spans five buildings of more than 100,000 square metres of real estate, reflects Anglo American’s vision to create a sustainable urban precinct that celebrates the company’s legacy while fostering a dynamic space for future generations.

Nolitha Fakude, Chairperson of the Anglo American management board in South Africa said: “Our history has deep roots in Johannesburg CBD, and we see this sale as a continuation of our legacy in the city. It is part of our broader vision to 'Enable the Future' by creating a sustainable precinct that not only reflects Anglo American’s heritage but also serves the next generation of city dwellers, innovators, and businesses."

Anglo American’s partnership with OPH, a firm renowned for its transformation of Gandhi Square and the greater Marshalltown area, is central to this vision. The 50,000 square metre 55 Marshall Street building will be repurposed to become a vibrant hub of public and commercial activity. OPH’s extensive experience in inner-city redevelopment will ensure that the building continues to serve the community while attracting new business and innovation.

A prestigious tenant has committed to leasing the 55 Marshall Street building, helping to once again embed the building into the fabric of Johannesburg’s city life.

A Broader Legacy of Education and Culture

Anglo American’s commitment to the CBD is far reaching, and the sale of 55 Marshall Street, is a further example of this commitment. Anglo American has partnered with reputable organisations to determine the best use of its assets in the CBD to preserve Johannesburg’s urban heritage while encouraging sustainable development.

“Ultimately, supporting the renewal of Johannesburg's inner city bolsters the long-term vision for sustainable growth and development for Johannesburg and South Africa. Johannesburg is a significant economic hub for South Africa and the region. Supporting the CBD development is a strategic intervention that we hope will contribute to the economy's overall health and support job creation potential,” said Fakude.

Following a rigorous process to determine the best future for its buildings in the CBD, Anglo American determined that the best way to preserve these heritage buildings was through partnerships with notable institutions who shared the vision of revitalising the CBD.

As such, in 2023, 45 Main Street building was handed over to the Maharishi Institute and is currently being transformed into a campus that will provide education and employment opportunities to up to 3,000 underprivileged students.

Earlier this year, 47 Main Street building was handed over to WITS Business School, where it will house the Wits Crucible, a business incubator aimed at developing small enterprises. This facility is expected to be operational by 2025.

Anglo American will also convert its 44 Main Street building into a mixed-use public space focused on development of youth, whilst also celebrating and preserving its history, heritage, and the arts.

Jozi My Jozi: A Broader Vision for City Renewal

As part of effort to uplift the CBD, Anglo American co-founded the Jozi My Jozi (JMJ) initiative, in collaboration with other key stakeholders including the University of the Witwatersrand, Nando’s, and major financial institutions. JMJ aims to foster change in the CBD through community-driven projects that address critical infrastructure needs, such as the repair of the Mandela Bridge and other city entry points.

“Jozi My Jozi is about creating lasting, positive change in Johannesburg’s inner city,” said Fakude. “By working together with partners across sectors, and with the Johannesburg City Council, we are tackling the most pressing challenges and ensuring that the city remains a vital hub for business, education, and culture.”

Commitment to Long-Term Growth

“Anglo American’s efforts to renew its former CBD campus reflect our broader mission to support the long-term sustainable growth of Johannesburg and South Africa,” said Fakude. “By driving urban renewal and investing in educational and business incubators, we are contributing to the economic potential and job creation capacity of the city. Johannesburg’s inner city remains a vital economic hub, and we are proud to play a role in its continued transformation.”

This renewed chapter in Anglo American’s CBD history aligns with the Group’s purpose of "re-imagining mining to improve people's lives," ensuring that the company’s former CBD campus continues to serve the next generation of residents and businesses, while helping to revitalise one of Africa’s most important urban centres.