The main components of the development is to create a positive connection to Mary Fitzgerald square, re-use and repurpose the existing heritage protected fabric, and unify the various buildings into a precinct of buildings that enhances and promotes the public’s interface and interaction with the Market Theatre Foundation which intends to solidify its role and presence in the Newtown Cultural precinct thus becoming a draw card for students, patrons and general arts enthusiast.

The Market Theatre Foundation recently acquired a prominent ERF in Newtown Johannesburg to develop new premises for the Market Theatre Foundation (MTF) including the three business units: Market Laboratory, Market Photo Workshop (MPW), Production and general administration office for corporate services. KMH Architect’s design recognized the site’s existing building fabric and used these structures as a device to create spaces that would relate appropriately in scale to the square and surrounding buildings. The accommodation area totals 10500 m2. It is designed to sensitively express the tectonics of the New Town aesthetic with a strong focus on public interface and allowing Mary Fitzgerald square to engage with the inner courtyards of the building. The concept revolves around a central gathering space that serves as the heart of design and is the meeting ground between the Market Theatre Laboratory and Market Photo Workshop identities. The KMH conceptual response is based on the theatrics of movement, experience of journey, and allowing the existing infrastructure and history of the site to provide a strong narrative for the architecture. The project is under construction with Practical completion set for Dec 2015.