A brief history of Victoria Yards and surrounds.
An undated map of Lorentzville, Doornfontein, Bertrams and Troyville. Superimposed for orientation with locations of some modern locations such as Victoria Yards, Emirates Airline Park and Ponty.
Victoria Yards has come a long way from its early days. Originally known as New York Laundry and later as Advanced Laundries, the property has a rich history dating back to 1913. With several buildings nearly 100 years old, the 20,000 square meter site has undergone many additions and transformations over the years.
At its peak, the laundry was powered by two steam boilers and supplied electricity to the surrounding areas. The laundry serviced prisons, hospitals, and private homes with its washing and dry-cleaning services, as well as manufacturing towel nappies. As institutions modernized, the laundry diversified into making household linens such as quilts and mattresses.
A very early, undated postcard of Lorentzville and Bertramstown, as it was known back in the day.
In the 1990s, the property became a hub for small businesses, mainly panel beaters and mechanics. In 2015, it was purchased by the current shareholders who transformed it into Victoria Yards, with the goal of creating a thriving community pivoted around arts and artisans.
A south view of the main event space and terraced gardens before renovations commenced in 2015.
Brian Green, owner of 44 Stanley Avenue, played a crucial role in the development of Victoria Yards. He envisioned the garden spaces and curated the eclectic mix of tenants, with a focus on art, artisanal skills, and community betterment. These efforts align with Victoria Yard's three pillars: food security, fostering transfer of skills, and meaningful community engagement through resident NGOs.
The same south view taken in 2023.
The transformation of Victoria Yards was not without its challenges. The site was initially a scrapyard and required extensive renovations to lay the foundation for the gardens. Today, the gardens provide food security and education through their organic vegetables and medicinal plants. The site also houses the Changemakers Centre, a modern structure used for community activities.
Victoria Yards is home to around 60 tenants, mostly artisans, makers, and fashion houses and eateries.
Despite economic and social challenges facing the surrounding communities, Victoria Yards continues to work with government and private stakeholders in the area to maintain a safe space for all.
The precinct is also home to several NGOs, including a community school, Timbuktu in the Valley, The People's Pantry, which provides food and meals to the community, The Makers Valley project for mentoring young people, and a free on-site clinic run by the University of Johannesburg.
Visit and experience the vibrancy and sense of community that Victoria Yards has to offer.