Gillooly’s Farm, one of Gauteng’s most recognisable green public spaces and a historic Bedfordview landmark, is undergoing an ambitious restoration, being reimagined as the safer, more welcoming Gillooly’s Gardens.
Designed to be a destination for nature, food, family, community and live culture, the newly redone Gillooly’s Gardens is projected to reopen to the public in November of 2026.
The project is rooted in a long-term commitment to adopt, maintain and protect Gillooly’s Gardens as a safe, secure and welcoming public open space. The vision is to preserve what generations of visitors have loved about the farm while creating new reasons for the city to gather, connect and spend meaningful time together.
Food and Culture are a focal point for the new and improved Gillooly’s Gardens
At the centre of the renewed Gillooly’s Gardens experience will be Gather, a family restaurant and dining experience curated by Coco & J (married couple and business duo J’Something and Cordelia “Coco” da Fonseca). The space serves to bring people together over good food and generous hospitality in one of Johannesburg’s most familiar outdoor spaces.
The broader Gillooly’s experience brings together its gardens and walking trails with family-friendly activities, the Good Stuff Market, community events and the amphitheatre.
A series of live shows is also being planned for late 2026, inviting audiences to experience music and performance within one of Johannesburg’s most familiar natural settings. Dates, artists and ticketing information will be announced separately.
Maintaining a commitment to the natural environment
Gillooly’s has been part of Bedford View’s history for more than 80 years. Originally owned by James Gillooly, the 44-hectare property was sold to the city council in 1944 and named in his honour. Known for its lake, walking trails, birdlife, picnic areas and open lawns, Gillooly’s has long served residents and visitors a welcome escape from the city.
This next chapter honours that rich history. Gillooly’s Gardens is not being relaunched simply as an events venue or commercial development, it is being restored as a botanical garden and a lifestyle ecosystem.
The natural environment and public experience remain central to every decision, with food, markets, recreation and cultural programming designed to support the gardens rather than replace its character. The project is guided by a commitment to long-term stewardship, community connection, environmental care and public benefit.
The team behind the Gillooly’s Gardens revamp
The team behind Gillooly’s Gardens brings over 25 years of experiences across hospitality and live experiences.
Their portfolio includes some of South Africa’s most trendy and award-winning restaurants, venues and cultural spaces, including Artistry, The Palace Bar Company (Katy’s Palace and Sir James Van Der Merwe Bar), The Ivy, Obscura, and The Ostrich in Cape Town, with several new exciting restaurants and bars set to open in the city during 2026 and 2027.
Coco & J also play a central role in the culinary curation, helping shape the food, hospitality and overall experience, and translating the Coco & J philosophy into a physical destination where Johannesburg can gather, connect and feel at home.
Need to know
As Gillooly’s Gardens moves closer to opening its gates, more details will be shared about the restoration journey, the opening of Gather, the Good Stuff Market, family-friendly experiences and a programme of live shows planned for later this year.
When: Set to open in November 2026
Where: 47 Boeing W Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston
Website: gilloolysgardens.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @gilloolysgardens
Facebook: Gilloolys Gardens
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