At least eight of the threatened historic buildings in Johannesburg's inner city are to be saved from demolition after an 11th hour deal was struck between the city and the Gauteng provincial government.

The agreement will result in the demolition of only two historical buildings.

The approval by the South African Heritage Resources Agency of a proposal made last year to demolish 10 historic buildings between Commissioner and Market streets caused an outcry.

The buildings were to make way for the New Heritage Square, part of the provincial government precinct.

An appeal was lodged by a group of concerned citizens and architects, and soon afterwards the City of Johannesburg lodged its intention to appeal against the ruling, which was to be heard today.

City spokesman Gabu Tugwana said all concerned had agreed to map a common way forward. "On the basis of this arrangement, Johannesburg has agreed to withdraw its appeal to pave the way for the continuation of the project."

Among the objections put forward was that the planned square would disrupt traffic movement in major link points from the east and west of the city.

It was also felt that the demolitions were not offering more open space relative to the size of the demolitions, unnecessarily threatened historical buildings and the size and management of the square needed to be further examined.

Herbert Prins, chairman of a group of concerned architects and community members, yesterday welcomed the new development.

Business Day
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge