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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JANUARY
2015
ENVIRONMENT
buildings, Robinson advises that there are a
few key factors to consider before starting
the process of applying for permission
overall to redevelop a heritage property:
“Firstly, check out the status of the building
before you make a final commitment to
purchase. This will save you many problems
if you understand the development restric-
tions on the site.
“Secondly, understand that heritage
buildings can be altered and changed
to accommodate new uses and needs, but
you need to retain respect for the orig-
inal building and its material. This is what
adds value to the end product and makes
it stand out from projects that are devel-
oped from new. Thirdly, make use of appro-
priately skilled professionals to assist your
team when developing the plans for any
heritage project.”
The Twinell building lies across five erven and
incorporates a 1920s Edwardian façade and a
1940s art deco façade.
Touchstone House is a R200-million sectional
title office development at the harbour end of
Bree Street.
“A vibrant working city cannot be
frozen in time like a museum. By
its very nature a city is dynamic
and in a continuous state of
transition and growth, particularly
in the context of the developing
world of which we are part.”