Gillooly’s Farm closes as redevelopment gets under way

Gillooly’s Farm Park will be temporarily closed until November due to park refurbishments under a new tender contract.

Visitors and users of Gillooly’s Farm Park will have to put their plans to visit on hold, as the park is temporarily closed.

Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys notified residents about the City of Ekurhuleni’s public notice regarding the closure on September 7.

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The city’s notice, signed by Development Planning and Real Estate Department area manager Siphokazi Mekane, stated that the park would be closed from September 7 to November 15.

This was due to park refurbishments under Contract P –REDP 08-2026, as stated by the City.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that the City obtained council approval for the leasing of Gillooly’s Farm, after which the Real Estate Department proceeded with the bid process.

He added that internal correspondence indicates that the bid process reached its final stages during 2026 and that the site has subsequently been handed over to the successful tenant.

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A further look at the City of Ekurhuleni Bids Awarded June 2026 online states that the tender was awarded to supplier South African Music Dance Award (Pty).

The description of the contract reads: “The Appointment of a service provider for the leasing of a portion of Portion 988 of the Farm Elandsfontein 90 IR, Gauteng Province, commonly known as Gillooly’s Farm, from date of award to a maximum period of 30 years for recreational, botanical garden and business purposes.”

Dlamini said the approved development concept for Gillooly’s Farm is based on the Botanical Garden Master Plan and includes the upgrading and redevelopment of amenities within the park.

He further said internal planning documents refer to facilities such as a nursery, flea market area, zip line, observation wheel, amphitheatre, exhibition and sculpture spaces, vendors’ facilities, tea garden, e-bicycle rental facilities and a gift shop.

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“The detailed refurbishment programme and implementation schedule are being managed through the lease agreement and the appointed tenant,” Dlamini explained.

The city acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding communication around the temporary closure of Gillooly’s Farm.

Dlamini said: “The closure is intended to facilitate improvements that will enhance the long-term recreational, environmental and tourism value of the facility. The City remains committed to keeping stakeholders informed as the refurbishment progresses and will continue to work with the tenant and relevant departments to provide updates on project milestones, anticipated timelines and public access arrangements.”

Meanwhile, Humphreys added that the new tenant is wasting no time in significant maintenance, clean-ups and upliftments. She added that it was agreed that Gillooly’s Parkrun is excluded from the closure and will continue as usual on Saturday mornings.

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Gillooly’s Gardens Public Relations manager Thabiso Lebitsa confirmed that South African Music Dance Award (Pty) had indeed won the tender, with the intention of ushering Gillooly’s Farm into a new era as Gillooly’s Gardens — a safer, more welcoming destination centred around nature, food, family, community and live culture.

“The renewed 44-hectare destination will feature attractions such as Gather, a family restaurant with its culinary offering curated by Coco & J, alongside the Good Stuff Market, family-friendly activities and a programme of live shows planned for later this year,” Lebitsa said. Best known as the lead vocalist of the award-winning band Mi Casa, Lebitsa expounded that J’Something has also established himself as a respected chef, television personality and restaurateur.

His wife, Coco, a content creator and entrepreneur, shares that same passion for food and hospitality and works alongside him to shape experiences and stories that celebrate culture, cooking, family, and everyday moments.

Lebitsa said Coco & J will play a central role in the culinary curation of Gather, as well as the Good Stuff Market, helping shape the food, hospitality, and overall experience of both offerings.

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He added: “Together, the couple bring a natural warmth and human identity to Gillooly’s Gardens. Their involvement is not an endorsement — the project is an extension of how they live, create and bring people together, translating the Coco & J philosophy into a physical destination where Johannesburg can gather, connect and feel at home.”

Coco & J said: “We want to create a space that brings people together. A space that celebrates good food, good people, community and connection. A space that feels like home.”

Lebitsa clarified that the ambition is not for Gillooly’s Gardens to become Bedfordview’s busiest destination, but its most loved. Lebitsa added that more details will be shared as Gillooly’s Gardens gets closer to opening its gates.