Pretoria’s historical buildings to be revamped
Historical structures in Pretoria are earmarked for a facelift as part of Tshwane metro’s redevelopment plans for the city.
Some 150 historical structures in Pretoria are earmarked for a facelift as part of Tshwane metro’s redevelopment plans for the city.
Subesh Pillay, Tshwane metro MMC for planning and economic development, says the historical structures include numerous buildings, bridges, open spaces and even curb stones. He announced this at the Tshwane Urban Design Seminar on Friday at Freedom Park. Pillay explained the projects will be incorporated in a stylish manner as part of the metro’s spatial development plans for the city.
”A full mapping of historical buildings and facilities has been done. The city has embarked on a process of how to integrate these historical buildings and landmarks in our development plans.’’
He explained for each heritage element a heritage impact assessment has to be done beforehand and that has to go through to the heritage agency for approval.
”The work we are doing now will enable the process. It is very detailed and time consuming work, but we are getting there. We are getting to the point where we will be able to know what to do with the heritage building, once it has been rejuvenated and how we are going to integrate it. We are not allowed to do any alterations to or on such buildings or elements because they are protected by law. That’s why it is important to do an audit of what those buildings are and their condition of each is.’’
He said given the time consuming nature of the work, this project will only reach completion in five to seven years. The completion of stage one of the project is pegged for two and half years.
”The first historical site to be tackled is the Caledonian stadium in city centre. It is no longer used. There is a lot of heritage elements in the stadium. The thinking now is to create some kind of urban park.’’
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