The City of Johannesburg has proposed renaming four streets in its central business district as part of a broader plan to revitalise the inner city.
The proposed changes form part of the redevelopment of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct, an initiative aimed at restoring the area’s urban appeal and improving public spaces. The draft precinct plan is currently open for public comment, with submissions closing on 17 April 2026.
A separate public participation process has been launched specifically for the street name changes, with residents and stakeholders given until 5 May 2026 to provide input.
The affected roads are located around St Mary’s Cathedral, a historic landmark situated at the intersection of Wanderers and De Villiers streets. In total, four streets within this precinct are under consideration for renaming.
The proposed changes are as follows:
- De Villiers Street → Trevor Huddleston Street
- Hoek Street → Cathedral Street
- Plein Street → Desmond Tutu Street
- Wanderers Street → Simeon Nkoane Street
According to the city, the renaming initiative is intended to complement the precinct’s redevelopment while also honouring the legacy of Desmond Tutu. The project seeks to create a more inclusive, pedestrian-friendly and accessible environment that reflects the values he championed.
Officials noted that the precinct will integrate improved transport infrastructure, upgraded public spaces, and heritage preservation, contributing to a more resilient and people-centred urban core.
The redevelopment forms part of Johannesburg’s broader Inner-City Urban Regeneration Programme, which aims to reverse the long-standing decline of the CBD. The precinct plan was approved by council in 2022 under the administration led by former mayor Mpho Phalatse.
Once implemented, the project is expected to unfold over a 12-month period, marking another step in the city’s efforts to reshape and modernise its inner city while preserving its historical significance.
