text: The Old Parkhurst Bowling Club has been handed over to developer, GenZenix Pty Ltd, ending “a long and challenging chapter” for residents and the City of Johannesburg who have been fighting the property’s occupation since 2009.
  Previously “hijacked” by displaced people, the property had become a hotbed of criminal and by-law violating activities with numerous complaints lodged by residents, says the City of Johannesburg. “Despite concerted efforts by various city departments to address the challenges posed by the occupation, the property remained a source of concern for rate-paying residents in the surrounding area.”
  Following a series of non-responsive bids, GenZenix Pty Ltd was awarded the property in March 2024 and to facilitate the developer’s resumption of site work, a specialised forum was established comprising representatives from departments and agencies including the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
  Individuals were given the opportunity to vacate before the illegal structures were demolished.