7 April 2006 Gauteng and Joburg agree to save heritage buildings in new precinct The City of Johannesburg and Gauteng Provincial Government have agreed to seek alternative ways to minimise challenges of environment and heritage in the area earmarked for the provincial government precinct in the inner city. The move will probably shorten the duration of the South African Heritage Resource Agency (Sahra) Appeal Panel when it seats to consider the Johannesburg City's appeal against a previous ruling dismissing the local government's objections. The appeal was to be heard Friday 7 April but has now been postponed to a date still to be announced. Original plans indicated that, among other things, ten buildings faced possible demotion. These are: the Republic of South Africa, New Library Hotel, Rand Water, Custom House, Clegg House, Thusanong, Volkskas Bank, First National Bank, Peoples' Bank and South African Reserve Bank. The project is to be established at Fox Street and take a number of portions at Main Street in the south, Rissik Street in the east and Sauer Street in the west. Some of the buildings within this area would be retained for office use by the private sector and government, while others are to be demolished to create public spaces. Johannesburg City has indicated its unhappiness about the current proposed square plans because they were threatening to disrupt traffic movement in major link points from the east and west of the City; demolitions were not offering more open space to match the size of the demolitions; there was a possibility that heritage buildings and well-functioning buildings were to be lost and further that the functionality, size and management of the square needed to be further examined. The City's proposed alternative plan provided for larger square with the maximum demolition of two buildings only. Provincial government has subsequently met their City counterparts and agreed to arrange for the project team leaders to meet with the municipality and map a common way forward. On the basis of this arrangement, Joburg agreed to withdraw its appeal with Sahra and pave way for the continuation of the project. Discussion between the provincial and local government representatives will take place within the next fourteen (14) days. ENDS Issued by: Gabu Tugwana Director: Communications City of Johannesburg Telephone: 011 407-7162 Fax: 011 339 3615 Cell: 082 495 5673 E-mail: gabut@joburg.org.za