An investigation into Privately Managed Public Spaces in popular Urban Neighborhoods in City of Johannesburg

Abstract

This study investigates the growing trend of privatisation in urban environments, focusing on the emergence of privately managed public spaces (PMPS) and their role in achieving public space objectives through placemaking design principles. As urban governance increasingly shifts towards public – private partnerships, PMPSs have become a defining feature for contemporary city making. These spaces pride themselves in offering well -maintained, aesthetically appealing and economically viable environments. However, these spaces are often critiqued about their inclusivity, accessibility, and the erosion of the democratic function of public space – that is, fostering community, promoting social and economic interactions, and facilitating cultural exchange through providing physical spaces where people of diverse backgrounds can gather and interact. This study intends to investigate the growing trend of privatisation in urban environments, specifically looking at privatisation from a management lens and how the role of privately managed public spaces is achieving the objectives of public space through placemaking principles and design tools. Through case studies, spatial analysis and policy review, this research evaluates how design – led placemaking strategies can either reinforce or challenge the exclusionary tendencies of privatisation. The research report, is guided by the inquiring question – What attracts users to privately-owned public spaces in Johannesburg? Subsequently, making reference to the case studies of two private public spaces, within the City of Johannesburg, namely; Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton and Montecasino in Fourways. For this qualitative research study, the participants selected for research report is built environment professionals in national, provincial and private consulting roles as well as architects, urban designers in the planning and design of privately managed public spaces, and an official from the Central Improvements District who privately manage public spaces. The fieldwork data was collected through document analysis, semi – structured interviews and on – site contextual analysis to examine how privately managed public spaces contribute to, or conflict with the broader objectives of public space using placemaking design principles as an evaluation framework. The outcomes recorded in the fieldwork journal reveal a critical tension at the heart of the research problem: while users express a preference for traditional public spaces, they consistently choose to spend more time in privately managed public spaces due to their higher standards of cleanliness, safety, and service delivery. On-site observations and participant feedback highlight that these privately managed spaces offer qualities that are increasingly absent from public spaces—namely, a sense of care, relevance, and consistent user experience. Participants also pointed to the deterioration of public spaces, citing a lack of maintenance, inadequate safety measures, and poor alignment with current community needs. These findings underscore the urgency for rethinking how public spaces are planned and maintained, and highlight the value of placemaking as a strategy to bridge the gap. The research seeks to contribute to the ongoing debates about privatisation of public life and how private entities are influencing the future design and function of public spaces.