The physical upgrade of public sidewalks in the inner city have proven to be a successful model in renewing investor confidence, increasing property values and decreasing vacancy in the inner city. A range of public environment upgrades have been commissioned by the City of Johannesburg that include streets, squares and parks. Prone to high levels of infrastructural development and frequent servicing, rapidly developing cities require sidewalk treatments which are easily resurface-able and hard wearing urban elements. The upgrades therefore pay special attention to surface treatments, lighting and street furniture while considering spaces of pause, landscaping and trade.