Joburg's 'transparent' council chamber taking shape

22 February 2016 - 02:17 By Neo Goba

Johannesburg is about to grow a large golden edifice. The gleaming tower will be contained within the city's new R280-million council chamber.The city, through its Johannesburg Property Company, last year announced a R2.5-billion upgrade of its Braamfontein Metro Centre, along with several regional offices.The chamber, in the shape of a drum, is designed with a set of expansive glass walls. The idea is to promote transparency - with the public able to look in during proceedings.Helen Botes, CEO of the Joburg Property Company, said that more than 55% of the chamber, which is being built in Rissik Street, had been completed. Construction is set to end in July.Botes said: "The new chamber should be [seen as] a symbol of the transformation of the city ... and a statement of the new council rather than simply a functional adaptation of the existing chamber."The expansion of the existing chamber may be short-term and every five years would need to accommodate future expansions, which would cost more than the cost of a new structure over time."While the chamber will only be for council meetings, Botes said the future development proposal was to incorporate a legislature building with direct access to the council chamber. ..

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