Polokwane heritage site to be preserved in mega development

Quick read

• Preparatory work has started on the Green Arch Precinct near The Greenery Shopping Centre in Polokwane.

• The development will be phased and include office blocks, a four-star hotel, serviced apartments, and upmarket retail.

• Residents raised concerns about a historic reservoir on-site, believed to be Pietersburg’s first.

• Developers confirmed the reservoir will be preserved and repurposed as a speakeasy-style bar within the hotel.

• Heritage approvals, including from the Limpopo Heritage Council, were obtained before construction began.

• Full story below

Full story

POLOKWANE – Preparatory work has started on the underground parking facility for the upcoming Green Arch Precinct, located next to The Greenery Shopping Centre.

The development, which will be rolled out in phases, has recently drawn concerns from some residents over the preservation of a historic site located within the project area.

The site includes what is believed to be Pietersburg’s first reservoir, a structure of historical significance to the city.

Residents raised questions about whether the site’s heritage value would be compromised by the development.

In response, a credible source close to the development has reassured that the reservoir will not only be preserved but will be incorporated into the design of the new precinct.

The reservoir is set to become a central feature of the intended hotel component, where it will be repurposed as a speakeasy-style bar.

Read more: Hilton Hotel development set to boost Polokwane’s economy

The venue will serve as both a tribute to the site’s legacy and a distinctive addition to the intended hotel’s hospitality offering.

It has also been confirmed that all required approvals, including those from the Limpopo Heritage Council, were secured prior to the start of the project, and great care was taken to ensure the site’s historical value is protected.

The Green Arch Precinct is a mixed-use development that will comprise three office blocks, an intended four-star hotel, serviced apartments, and a selection of upmarket retail spaces designed to complement the adjacent shopping centre.

Site work has started with part of the basement and the first office block.

Subsequent phases will include the hotel and residential units, to be developed in line with regulatory timelines and market conditions:

The development of a high-end residential block consisting of approximately 20 to 30 serviced apartments will be the last phase scheduled to begin later.

The phasing of the precinct remains subject to change depending on various factors and market demands as the project progresses.

To mitigate the impact of construction, it was confirmed that non-potable water is being used during the building process to preserve the city’s potable water supply.

The source described the project as a careful balance between growth and preservation.

“This development is about honouring our city’s past while building responsibly for its future,” the source concluded.