Unapproved alterations to the Union Castle Building has seen work on the building come to an abrupt halt.
Union Castle Building which most recently housed bank branches and ATMs has been undergoing alterations since November 2021, but this was abruptly halted last month following unapproved alterations to the building.
“In September 2020, the V&A Waterfront applied for a permit to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) in respect of extensive alterations it was planning to the Union Castle Building in order to rejuvenate this sleeping beauty at the heart of the V&A,” said Donald Kau, V&A Waterfront spokesperson.
The National Heritage Resources Act stipulates that buildings older than 60 years old require a permit before any alterations are made to the structure.
“During construction, certain amendments were made to the plans and implemented on site resulting in unapproved alterations to the internal structure of the building that are not entirely consistent with the current conditions of the permit,” said Kau.
Following a structural investigation once the work was underway, it was recommended that more extensive changes to the internal structure of the building were necessary to ensure the building’s long-term structural integrity while taking into consideration the building’s heritage grading and significance.
Kau said that these changes were not timeously communicated to HWC, differ from the conditions of the permit, and so have resulted in the stop work order imposed by HWC.
CEO of Heritage Western Cape Michael Janse van Rensburg, confirmed that a permit approving alterations to the building was issued by HWC, and that the work has subsequently deviated from what was permitted.
“HWC is still establishing the mitigation factors in order to preserve as much of the heritage resource as possible,” said Janse van Rensburg.
When asked if the HWC had identified the party responsible for taking wrongful action and if legal action would be considered, Janse van Rensburg said he could not comment while the investigation was still ongoing.
Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews said that the property owner are always deemed responsible for any unauthorised demolition work.
“The City will shortly serve a notice on the property owner to ensure that no further demolition or building work occurs without the necessary approvals,” said Andrews.
The V&A Waterfront has attributed the unapproved alterations to an administrative oversight.
“Once the V&A became aware of the situation it took steps to immediately inform HWC of the situation and halt works on site prior to the formal issuance of a stop work order by HWC,” said Kau.
“The current situation is rather an unfortunate result of a combination of various circumstances which prevailed on site, including several changes in the professional team.”
Kau stated that the V&A Waterfront regretted the circumstance of the non-compliant actions that have led to the issuing of the stop work order for Union Castle Building.
“We have the highest respect for the work of Heritage Western Cape, and we’ve had a long, constructive, and fruitful collaborative relationship with them and will be cooperating with their direction to rectify this unfortunate situation,” said Kau.
“The Waterfront is transforming and re-energising the space in and around the historic Union Castle Building which formed a backdrop to the Cape Wheel. The popular Cape wheel has outgrown its current location and it will be relocated... on the other side of the Victoria Wharf,” Kau explained.
The former location of the Cape Wheel is being transformed into a piazza that will be called Union Square. It will feature restaurant seating spilling out onto the square, which is being redesigned so as to serve as a meeting and intersection point.
According to HWC, Union Castle Building was designed by Baker, Kendall and Morris Architects in 1918 and commissioned by the Union Castle Steamship Company during the construction period of the Victoria Basin. The building was used as a workshop space as well as for the storage of cargo, and for company offices. The use of the building has changed over the years.
Kau confirmed that Union Castle Building will again be re-purposed, while its heritage will be retained.
“At ground level we will open it up into a permeable space housing a variety of retail and restaurant spaces. The first floor will accommodate offices and on the roof in response to the growing demand for rooftop venues we are re-purposing the space to accommodate a rooftop bar and restaurant with spectacular panoramic views.”