Carlton Centre Faces New Chapter as Transnet Moves to Dispose of Johannesburg Landmark

Carlton Centre Faces New Chapter as Transnet Moves to Dispose of Johannesburg Landmark. The Carlton Centre, one of Johannesburg’s most recognisable landmarks, has been included among 15 properties that state-owned logistics company Transnet plans to dispose of.

The proposed disposal marks a significant development for the 223-metre, 50-storey building, which has occupied a prominent position in Johannesburg’s skyline for more than five decades.

Transnet published a notice in the Government Gazette on Monday, 24 August, stating that the properties are no longer considered part of its core assets.In accordance with applicable legislation and asset management principles, Transnet said national and provincial government departments, municipalities, state-owned companies and other public entities would first have an opportunity to express interest in acquiring, using, leasing or taking transfer of the properties for public sector purposes.

Public entities have 30 days to express their interest.The Carlton Centre is among a diverse group of properties included in the disposal process. The portfolio also contains shopping centres, golf courses, commercial buildings and land across several provinces.

Three of the listed properties are in KwaZulu-Natal, including Umlazi Mall Megacity, the Durban Station Precinct and Oribi Plaza in Port Shepstone. Other properties include Mount Frere Shopping Centre in the Eastern Cape, Avion Park Golf Course in Ekurhuleni, Bloemfontein Golf Course and Club House, and Messina Superspar in Limpopo.

The Carlton Centre opened in the 1970s and was, at 223 metres, the tallest building in Africa at the time. The landmark was associated with the Carlton Hotel, which hosted international celebrities and statesmen, while its Top of Africa viewpoint became a prominent attraction.

Transnet acquired the Carlton Centre from Anglo American in 1999 for R33 million and subsequently used the building as its headquarters.

The property has since become associated with Johannesburg’s changing inner-city landscape, following the closure of the Carlton Hotel in the late 1990s and broader challenges affecting the central business district.