Melville’s famous 7th Street is getting a long-overdue facelift, with work already underway to restore the suburb’s charm and improve safety for visitors and locals.
The project, spearheaded by the Melville Business Association (MBA) and the Melville Residents Association (MRA), aims to revive the look and feel of one of Johannesburg’s most beloved streets – just in time for the community’s upcoming event, The Happening, scheduled for March 2026.

Work officially began earlier this year, focusing on the street’s overall look and feel, from paving repairs to curb repainting. “We, as the MBA executives, have personally contributed 60% of the funding, with the MRA contributing 40%,” said Cobi Meyer Domingos of the MBA. “It’s important to us that Melville remains clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Read more: Councillor calls on JRA for action on potholes and reinstatements in Fairland

The project is being carried out by CREASS Community Services, under the leadership of Danny Nunes, in collaboration with the Melville Security Initiative (MSI). Nunes said the goal was to restore 7th Street’s original character while addressing years of wear and neglect.

“We’re trying to make 7th Street look like a little bit of a high street,” Nunes explained. “We want to go with the classic original white and black zebra curbing, reinstate the really old heritage terracotta paving, and give the area a fresh coat of paint. We’ll also cover up graffiti, replace missing paving, and get rid of the weeds growing between the bricks.”

The upgrades extend beyond aesthetics. The CREASS team is also clearing stormwater drains, repainting poles and parking bays, removing redundant signage, and ensuring walkways are safe and accessible. The scope of the project includes portions of the side streets adjacent to 7th Street and 4th Avenue, both recognised as vital corridors for local commerce.

Also read: JRA highlights urgent need to combat traffic signal theft and vandalism

Importantly, the work is supported by the Youth Employment Services (YES) initiative. Five young workers have joined the team, gaining practical experience in construction, painting, and paving. “Their salaries are paid for through YES,” Nunes said. “We’re using them as the labour force and teaching them the skills they can use to better themselves.”

The team expects to complete the revamp by the end of January 2026, giving time for final touches before The Happening. The event will showcase Melville’s renewed vibrancy and serve as a platform for local businesses and residents to celebrate their community.

Because 7th Street attracts heavy foot traffic, work is being done carefully and strategically. Most construction takes place on quieter Monday and Tuesday mornings to avoid disruptions during peak days such as Thursdays and Fridays. “It’s a bit of a lengthy process, but it’s a well-managed one,” Nunes added.

Even in its early phase, the facelift is already having a positive impact. Business owners report a noticeable boost in morale and foot traffic, as cleaner, brighter streets attract more visitors. Domingos said the project had strengthened collaboration among traders and restored confidence in Melville’s future.

To ensure long-term success, the MBA and MRA plan to keep up regular cleaning, repainting, and maintenance once construction is complete. They are also considering an Adopt-a-Segment initiative, where businesses and residents can take responsibility for maintaining small sections of the street.

“This spirit of shared ownership is what keeps Melville’s heart beating,” Domingos concluded. “We want to make sure it stays one of Johannesburg’s most welcoming and character-filled neighbourhoods for years to come.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!