The Granary stands to be an outstanding example of heritage conservation and redevelopment.  The restored Granary Building will be a hub for creative industries in the cultural precinct of the Central City and will act as the major key to unlocking the revitalisation of the East City.

The mission of the Cape Town Heritage Trust is to conserve the architectural heritage and cultural landscape of Cape Town and its environs for the benefit of the inhabitants of the City and of the nation.  Heritage Square is a prime example of the kind of development we have managed.

As the City of Cape Town’s partner in this exciting new project, the Cape Town Heritage Trust has been granted the lease of the Old Granary, one of Cape Town’s most important heritage buildings.  Over the next few years, the Trust plans to restore the historic building and redevelop the rear portion to accommodate uses that are allied to the creative industries.

We are now in a position to call for preliminary expressions of interest to all persons or organisations for a proposal for the use of tenanting of this remarkable heritage building.  Before submitting expressions of interest or calling for more information, the following important considerations should be noted:

Important considerations:

• Any activity envisaged for the complex must support the overall mission of the Heritage Trust, support the revitalisation of the East Precinct of the central city and should fall within the creative industry.  Creative Industries may be broadly defined as activities relating to the arts [including the visual and performing arts, film and media], culture [museums, and heritage], fashion and design, and educational opportunities.  The opportunity for a restaurant/wine bar/coffee shop to support the creative industries will also be considered.  Commercial office and retail activities will generally not be considered.

• There are a number of development options that may be considered for the Granary complex, which has two distinct components.  The front [Buitenkant Street] half of the block is occupied by the historic building known as the Old Granary.  This is an important Heritage Site, which is graded as Grade II [i.e. Provincial Heritage Site status].  This implies that careful and considered restoration is required under the direction of a recognised heritage architect and consultant team.  Uses within the building should be compatible to the nature and quality of the building, and alterations to the historic building fabric require particular attention and therefore the opportunities for change are limited.

• There is an opportunity to engage with the Trust on proposals for the rear portion of the building.

• Consideration will also be given to persons wishing to take up a section or sections of the building.

Plans indicating areas available for rental will be made available once applications have been received and considered, and shortlisted tenants will be offered an opportunity to visit the building.

Persons or organisations who are interested in submitting expressions of interest should send an email to eProp; subject: Old Granary: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who will pass on relevant information to custodians. 

Closing date for expressions of interest is 31 July 2009.