Maboneng

Maboneng is a mixed-use urban neighborhood and redevelopment district on the eastern edge of Johannesburg’s central business district in Gauteng, South Africa. The name Maboneng means Place of Light in the Sotho language. The district centers on Fox Street and features a concentration of converted industrial buildings that now house galleries, studios, residences, offices, shops, and restaurants.

The development originated as a private urban renewal project led by Propertuity, a development company founded by Jonathan Liebmann, beginning in the late 2000s. The initiative aimed to repurpose derelict factories and warehouse spaces into a walkable, creative economy hub focused on arts, design, and small businesses. Over time, Maboneng attracted a mix of artists, entrepreneurs, and residents, becoming a visible symbol of inner-city renewal in Johannesburg.

Key features include Arts on Main, a cluster of galleries, eateries, and creative spaces that anchors the precinct, as well as venues such as The Bioscope cinema. The area is known for street art, boutique shops, markets, rooftop bars, and a growing residential and office presence. It has also served as a platform for events, exhibitions, and pop-up ventures that highlight Johannesburg’s urban culture.

Maboneng has been widely cited as a model of private-led urban regeneration and a driver of broader investment in the city’s core. It has contributed to increased foot traffic and tourism, while attracting criticism related to gentrification and affordability for surrounding communities. Today, Maboneng remains a focal point of Johannesburg’s creative economy and urban revitalization efforts, with ongoing development and new venues continuing to shape its identity.