Newcastle’s Eiffel Tower halted by municipality

A letter from the municipality received in February 2018, did not support the erection of the Eiffel Tower as there was allegedly no harmony between the existing building at the garage and the proposed tower.

January 22, 2019

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

The most iconic structure in Paris, France, and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Eiffel Tower, will be making its appearance in Newcastle soon.

A replica of the tower is being constructed at the Total 60 on Murchison Street filling station.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Newcastle airport about to open?

Owner of the garage, Rahim Kader said the only issue he faced was the resistance from the Newcastle Municipality.

“I have been in discussion with the municipality from July 2017. The process to pass the plans for the building have been delayed ever since,” says Kader.

Kader went on to explain he was instructed by the Director of Town Planning and Human Settlements at the municipality, Ntsiki Khathide to submit a three-dimensional architectural drawing of the plans in order to obtain building approval.

“I got my architect to compile the plans according to the specifications requested, and sent it through,” continues Kader.

In November 2017, an email was received from Khathide acknowledging the receipt of the plans stating that ‘I will push for the approval before the following week ends.’

A letter from the municipality received in February 2018, did not support the erection of the Eiffel Tower as there was allegedly no harmony between the existing building at the garage and the proposed tower.

The comparison was made against the Newcastle Clock Tower which resembles the architectural style of the town hall and the bell tower at St Dominic’s Newcastle which according to Town Planning Department, supports the architectural style with the building on the property.

Kader says he cannot understand why the steel structure would not complement his building, as the idea in support of the Total brand was to introduce a French theme along with a coffee shop he wishes to open.

“I didn’t just want to put an ordinary afdak. The tower is going to be unique and an attraction for Newcastle residents and tourists.”

A site inspection on October 2018 was conducted by representatives from the municipality’s Town Planning Department.

Officials evaluated the proposed development of the tower and agreed on a SPLUMA application. Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) provides clarity on how planning law interacts with other laws and policies.

READ NOW: Newcastle Library contractor may be taken to court

This Act focuses on the development and establishment of a township, consolidation of land, consent for subdivision, relaxing of a building and consolidation of land.

“The structure does not require to be approved by the Act, on the application form nothing on the questionnaire pertains to this structure,” he explains, and he commenced with the steel structure construction in December 2018.

It was brought to the attention of the Town Planning Department who then informed Kader that the structure was under construction without the fulfillment of the obligation which was agreed upon.

“In terms of the National Building Regulations Act 103 of 1977 Clause 4 (1) you are hereby instructed to cease all construction work with immediate effect,” read a notice.

Kader’s tower is now in limbo. Attempts to acquire comment via the municipality’s Communication Department proved futile at the time of going to print.

Newcastle residents have their say: