| Newtown | |
| Coordinates: | -26.204°N 28.034°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | South Africa |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Gauteng |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name3: | City of Johannesburg |
| Subdivision Type4: | Main Place |
| Subdivision Name4: | Johannesburg |
| Population Total: | 2,505 |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Area Total Km2: | 0.85 |
| Leader Party: | African National Congress |
| Leader Title: | Councillor |
| Leader Name: | Nokuthula Albertina Xaba |
| Government Footnotes: | [1] |
| Demographics Type1: | Racial makeup (2011) |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Black African |
| Demographics1 Info1: | 90.0% |
| Demographics1 Title2: | Coloured |
| Demographics1 Info2: | 1.9% |
| Demographics1 Title3: | Indian/Asian |
| Demographics1 Info3: | 6.4% |
| Demographics1 Title4: | White |
| Demographics1 Info4: | 1.2% |
| Demographics1 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics1 Info5: | 0.6% |
| Demographics Type2: | Language (2011) |
| Demographics2 Title1: | Zulu |
| Demographics2 Info1: | 20.9% |
| Demographics2 Title2: | English |
| Demographics2 Info2: | 12.5% |
| Demographics2 Title3: | Tswana |
| Demographics2 Info3: | 10.0% |
| Demographics2 Title4: | Northern Sotho |
| Demographics2 Info4: | 8.1% |
| Demographics2 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics2 Info5: | 48.6% |
| Postal Code: | 2113 |
Newtown is a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located in the capital city of Gauteng Province[2] and in Region F of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. It has the coordinates of 26.204°S and 28.034°E. The suburb originated as a manufacturing district for brick production.[3]
In the early 20th century, the Newtown Precinct was named "the Brickfields". In 1896, approximately 7,000 people[4] lived in the town.
A number of industries developed at Brickfields, such as trade firms, banks, brick factories, a brewery, and fisheries. Immigrants from other nations, also settled in Brieckfields.[5]
In April 1904, Mahatma Gandi declared an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Brickfield. The plague caused 82 fatalities and 112 people were reportedly diagnosed with it.[6] The local government initiated the fire brigade to start fires within the town, aiming to cease the plague.
Originally built between 1927 and 1934, the Turbine Hall became the largest "three steam-driven" power stations. It is situated in the middle of Newtown and has been deemed an iconic building in the art and culture precinct.[7]
The Greater Newtown Construction was initiated by City of Johannesburg Municipality Council, which rehabilitated old suburb structures, enhanced public open spaces, and introduced closed-circuit television.[8]
Newtown's street lighting was designed by the French engineer Patrick Rimoux.[9]
Johannesburg City Council partnered with Gauteng Agency, Blue IQ, in a project to develop the community of Newtown.[10] The project included building five housing developments in which Council states, "[it will] cater for different levels of income".[11]
The plan details that over 2,000 housing units will be built within a few years. The Nelson Mandela Bridge, inaugurated on 20 July 2003,[12] is the northern entrance to Newtown.