Doesn’t it strike you as curious how a building can tell so many tales? The Jeppe Street Power Station stands before us. It is a silent giant with a history humming beneath its aged skin.
This is not just a building. The Jeppe Street Power Station is a landmark. It is also a witness to Johannesburg’s electrifying past.
Let’s step back in time. Johannesburg in the early 20th century was booming. Gold had been discovered. The city was hungry for power. Private companies established an electric tram network in 1902. The demand for electricity grew. The city needed a new power source.
Thus, the Jeppe Street Power Station was commissioned. By 1927, it was up and running. It originally had a shorter Turbine Hall. It had a single North Boiler House. But even this wasn’t enough.
In 1934, the South Boiler House was built. The Turbine Hall was extended. The Jeppe Street Power Station was expanding. It was trying to keep up with the city’s insatiable appetite for power. The new Jeppe Street Power Station consumed a trainload of coal a day.
The Braamfontein Yards bustled with activity. They moved vast amounts of coal. Coal was crucial to fuel the power stations. It was brought into the center of Johannesburg.
Even with the extensions, demand continued to outstrip supply. Other power stations were built. In 1947, the Orlando Power Station was commissioned. Then came the Kelvin A Power Station in 1957. Kelvin B followed in 1964.
The Jeppe Street Power Station was eventually closed in 1961. But it wasn’t quite finished. In the 1960s, it was revamped with two Rolls Royce gas turbines. These were for emergency use. The station finally closed for good in 1972.
The four cooling towers were demolished in 1985. This demolition sparked protest from the heritage community. They felt that the city had destroyed a historic and cultural landmark.
The Jeppe Street Power Station stands as a testament. It testifies to Johannesburg’s rapid growth. It is a reminder of the city’s industrial heritage.
The Jeppe Street Power Station has been repurposed. It has been given a second life. It is now the headquarters for AngloGold Ashanti. The company carefully integrated the old power station into its modern design. The beauty of industrial buildings can be enhanced. The Jeppe Street Power Station shows that.
Bobby Godsell was the CEO of AngloGold Ashanti. He spearheaded the conversion of the Jeppe Street Power Station. His previous offices overlooked Newtown. He was inspired by the area and the building. He saw its potential to be a commercial anchor.
Now, as we stand here, we see more than just bricks and mortar. We see a story of ambition. We also see a story of innovation. The Jeppe Street Power Station supplied electricity. It powered Johannesburg’s dreams.