The Joburg Property Company (JPC) has announced plans to demolish the Rosebank Library in a bid to contribute to the densification of the node and to leverage private capital to assist with the provision of a modern-day library.
JPC is currently investigating the development potential of the site on which the library is situated. The company, which provides property management and development services, is currently managing a R8,6 billion property portfolio on behalf of the City of Johannesburg.
“One of the options we are looking at is to incorporate a modern-day library on the existing site as part of a mixed-use development, which may also include residential and commercial use,” Fanis Sardianos, executive manager for client business operations at JPC, told the Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“In this scenario, the library could possibly be located on the ground floor of a new building, so as to activate the street. Another option could see the library closer to the Rosebank Mall where it will be more visible and more accessible.”
Sardianos explained that none of the options had been finalised, although JPC had begun the process of liaising with the City’s Community Development Department on the said options. He added that the process would, however, involve community participation and presenting a feasible proposal to the City for approval before it is implemented.
The Rosebank Library, which is still operational, was built in 1955 and was designed by the City of Johannesburg’s Engineers Department. A wing was added to the building in 1970, however, there are no records of further additions to the building in the last 47 years.
“The JPC’s plan is to have a well-functioning and modern library in Rosebank,” added Sardianos.
“In our assessment, the property is underutilised and presents an opportunity for the City to contribute to the densification of the node while assessing ways in which the old structure can be transformed into a modern-day library.”
However, not all are in favour of the proposed demolition. Flo Bird, vice chairperson of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation said the library is a focal part of the community and should not be demolished purely for architectural or aesthetic prestige. “I have a problem with the assessment of the impact of the demolition of the Rosebank Public Library.
“I accept that the building has been looked at in architectural and perhaps aesthetic terms, but I think the community function has been ignored.
“My conclusion is that community libraries need to have their own space to function properly and give cohesion to a community. I don’t believe sticking the library in a corner of someone else’s building is going to work.”
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck, however, said that the demolition was part of a brand-new programme undertaken by the City. “There is an exciting project called the Rosebank Crosswalk where a series of new and existing parks, walkways and squares will be created to link Oxford Road to the Keyes Avenue Art Precinct and Jan Smuts Avenue.
“As part of this, the existing parks will be realigned and redeveloped, and there will be a new, better located and fit-for-purpose library and clinic. The demolition of the old library is part of this. The exact date for the proposed demolition to be carried out has, however, not been finalised.”
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