The Gauteng provincial government's plans to demolish 10 buildings in the inner city, approved by the SA Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra), have been halted by an appeal from architects and historians. Opposition appears to be widespread.
Sahra approved the demolition of the Art Deco-style buildings, eight of which are situated between Sauer and Simmonds and between Market and Commissioner streets. An additional two are on the corner of Commissioner and Simmonds streets. Among them is the old SA Reserve Bank House.
The intention was to demolish the 10 buildings to create a Heritage Square surrounded by 22 buildings recently bought for R300m by the Gauteng provincial government. Heritage Square was to be an extension of Beyers Naude Square and Library Gardens.
Sahra's view is that there are 70 or 80 other Art Deco-style buildings that are "more worthy of preservation" and better examples of the type of architecture than the buildings in question. Sahra has, however, suggested that elements of the Volkskas and Rand Water building be left as monument sites.
Architects and historians are appealing against Sahra's decision. They say removing the 60-year-old - and older - buildings is a mistake. But others view the plan as progress.
Surprisingly, the objectors are supported by the Johannesburg inner city's most ardent champion, Neil Fraser, partner in Urban Inc Consultants.
"No-one is opposing the idea of a precinct with a square in the middle," he says. "It is what is planned to replace the buildings that is the problem. What is being offered constitutes bad urban design."
Fraser says "a two-lane underpass is planned for Market Street, replacing the present four lanes, which would cause traffic congestion. The economics of the exercise just don't make sense."
He estimates the city will have to spend R1bn for the square to materialise.
The project leader for the proposed precinct, Jack van der Merwe, says the dilemma that faces Sahra is to decide whether the demolition will ultimately benefit the city. He is applying for a pre-qualification request, so that private-sector stakeholders can set up teams to discuss the issue.
"The debate regarding the square and precinct must continue among the academics who are involved, with each side submitting merits for its position," says Van der Merwe.
Urban Ocean developers cofounder Alfonso Botha says a balance must be struck between heritage and progress. Corner House, Urban Ocean's icon inner-city conversion, will overlook the proposed square, boosting its already high value.
Botha says many buildings in the city have become economically unviable and even havens for unsavoury characters.
Though it is sad that some buildings must go, he says, such a square would bring revenue and breathe life into the city. "Certain compromises have to be considered by both sides.
"We don't have enough open spaces in the CBD, and bold moves such as these must be made. But at the same time, respect and balance must be considered in the decision."
Fanuel Motsepe, an architect for the Gauteng department of public works & transport, says: "The decision was not to devalue the city, but to embrace its history and pave the way forward from the ideologies of the past."
Sahra national spokesman Solayman Ebrahim says the decision was not taken lightly. "It is a democratic process and will be taken to the council for reviewing." He adds that the debate has raised the question of where space for African heritage can be provided.
