Maboneng

How Maboneng became one of Forbes’ coolest neighbourhoods in the world

The determination of one man brought about the rebirth of one the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, as listed by Forbes.

Maboneng

It was not too long ago when the far east side of Johannesburg’s CBD was a no-go area. Most businesses had shut up shop and the idea of imagining the area a living space was laughable, to say the least.

This was, of course, the case for Maboneng, until a group of forward-thinking property developers saw the diamond in the rough and transformed the area into one of Forbes’ coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

The list also included the beautiful, quaint Kalk Bay, a coastal suburb in Cape Town. Maboneng’s story is more complex though, a true testament to how perseverance breeds magic when it’s matched with the right imagination.

What was Maboneng like ten years ago?

Ask any person from Johannesburg about meeting up for coffee on the far east side of the CBD ten years ago and besides getting a resounding “no!”, we can’t imagine that you would have that many friends.

People did not frequent Maboneng ten years ago. Businesses had long-since moved out, the area was a seedy and crime-ridden and respectable people would not be caught dead there.

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Who is responsible for transforming Maboneng?

The process of transforming Maboneng to the sought-after cultural hub it is today can be attributed to a single person. However, he would tell you that it requires way more than just himself to attract scores of people to become part of Maboneng.

Jonathan Liebmann, a young, enthusiastic businessman bought up the whole of what is now known as Arts on Main and that breathed a whole new life to the area.

Today, Maboneng is littered with chic restaurants, apartments, art galleries, and rooftop hangouts where all the whos-who are there to be snapped for Instagram.

Liebmann, in an attempt to explain how he came about with the idea to create a neighbourhood, stated that,

“I think there are a number of things that came together to bring about the success of Maboneng. In the early days, I became completely and utterly immersed in the project. This was absolutely critical. I lived and worked in the space. I was construction, marketing, sales and financial manager. I did everything. It became who I was and I think that level of passion must deliver results eventually.”

Things to do in Maboneng

It much safer to walk the streets of Maboneng today than it ever was before. It is also the best way to take in all of its beauty, with the bustling atmosphere and amazing art pieces attached to most of the buildings.

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If you’re in Johannesburg a trip to the Maboneng Precinct is an absolute must. Even you can explore this vibrant spot on a #ShotLeft! Explore the home of Arts on Main, 12 Decades @curiocity.africa , Pata Pata & more. Maboneng is a unique mix of developments that form a part of the city’s exciting regeneration. These include studios, art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants and coffee bars that are fuelling an inner-city lifestyle with entrepreneurship and creativity. TOURS TO DO Book a guided walking tour of the Maboneng Precinct with Main Street Walks. WHERE TO STAY The 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel, part of Main Street Life, has individually designed rooms representing each of the past 12 decades of Johannesburg's history. @spiritedpursuit thanks for this stunning image! #ShotLeft #Adventure #Travel #Travelgram #Maboneng #ItsMySouthAfrica #itsmycountry #exploresouthafrica

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There is a wide selection of eateries that offer anything from Argentine asado to Greek souvlaki. The great thing about the restaurants in Maboneng is that they offer a relaxed, down to earth environment where you can sit back and enjoy amazing food without the hassle of feeling like you don’t belong.

You will hardly ever find parking space on Sundays because everyone flocks to Arts on Main, Maboneng’s version of The Old Biscuit Mill.

This is possibly the most popular in Maboneng. All the hipsters are found at Arts on Main. There is no shortage of art galleries and other interactive stuff sold there.

Most people aren’t there to purchase anything, but just to be around the buzzing atmosphere makes for a great day spent meeting interesting people.