Capetonians have until Monday 21 April to give their comments and recommendations on the future of the Good Hope Centre.
The proposed redevelopment seeks to maximize the site’s potential through its sale or transfer for further development. This aims to guarantee lasting benefits for Cape Town’s economy. It also considers the city’s heritage and communities.
Sandra van der Merwe co-chairs the Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, sites, and neighbourhoods of the Modern Movement (Docomomo SA). She said the center is an iconic landmark feature of the Mother City.
Docomomo SA is a conservation body. It focuses on conserving and documenting modern movement buildings. Their interest extends to sites and neighborhoods in the South African context.
Van der Merwe said the building is a technical and architectural achievement of global relevance. It was designed by the studio of Italian modernist architect and engineer Pier Luigi Nervi.
The main hall, he said, has a reinforced concrete cross-vault. It is supported by massive concrete piers at its corners. Precast concrete panels form the shell of each quarter. This creates the 78 m wide by 23 m-high main hall space.
Beyond its architectural value, the Good Hope Center has high historical and social significance. It served as a public-events facility accessible to all communities of Cape Town during a time of displacement.
It was built in 1976 as an exhibition hall. It also served as a conference center during the time of the District Six forced removals.
Van der Merwe elaborated further on the structure: “The ribs of the vault are visible. The triangular precast concrete panels are exposed on the inside of the main hall. During the mid-1970s, when the Good Hope Center was constructed, the main hall was notable. It was the largest concrete cross-vault in the world.”
She said the structure employed another feature of Nervi’s design. The isostatic concrete slabs are visible in the perimeter galleries of the main hall. These slabs are also in the Drommedaris Hall and other secondary spaces.
“Isostatic slabs are part of a structural system patented by Nervi’s office. The ribs in the concrete follow the bending moments and stresses on the concrete slab. This design results in a concrete soffit that is structurally efficient. It is also aesthetically interesting.”
Van der Merwe said it’s vital to conserve historic buildings.
“Iconic buildings like these are important. Especially public buildings like the Good Hope Center should be conserved. Their architectural and landmark value is significant. They must also be preserved for their public use and social value. This conservation continues to tell the story of their historic context, evolution, and place in people’s memory.”
“Conservation needs changes to some aspects of the Good Hope Center. They will be re-imagined or improved. This ensures the building stays relevant and sustainable.”
She encouraged the public to have their say in the proposed redevelopment of the center.
The City says it is committed to conserving its heritage. It ensures its transformation into a space that serves current and future generations.
James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Growth, encouraged Capetonians to share their views on this proposal. He added that by redeveloping the site, the City will create a vibrant and inclusive precinct. It will also be economically possible.
According to the City, the proposed redevelopment offers several benefits. These include attracting investment and driving local business growth. It also focuses on heritage preservation and adaptive reuse.
Send your comments (Ref: 110242505):
· Online: Have your say (capetown.gov.za)
· Email (written submissions): Development.GoodHopeCentre@capetown.gov.za
· In-person (written submissions): 2nd Floor, Property Development, Desmond & Leah Tutu Building, 36 Harrington Street, Cape Town, 8000.
For further info visit capetown.gov.za/general/property-development-department-projects
