Residents object to high-rise project

Residentsof a Pretoria suburb fear their sweeping views of the Union Buildings will be blocked by the construction of a R55-million high-rise development on its doorstep.

Even the Department of Public Works has weighed in, describing the proposed development on land bordering the gardens of the Union Buildings as "an unsightly visual obstruction".

Known as the Tiny Town phase two development, plans include building and renting out 129 units, including 50 bachelor flats, 61 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom flats to middle-income civil servants and the city's diplomatic staff.

But although both the department and the Arcadia Residents and Ratepayers Association (Arra) have formally voiced concerns, the township application was conditionally approved by Tshwane Municipality in January.

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the Union Buildings has beautifully terraced gardens that are home to the Delville Wood war memorial as well as statues of three former prime ministers.

While President Jacob Zuma's views will not be affected, those of elderly residents living in at least 16 units at the Union Park Gate retirement home in Church Street - situated directly opposite the site - will be.

Pedestrian and motorists' views of the skyline of the Union Buildings from Church Street could also be "potentially" affected, according to heritage consultant Nicholas Clarke. He was commissioned by Octprop Properties, the site's owners, to conduct a heritage impact assessment (HIA).

The HIA report, which was submitted to the Provincial Heritage Resources Agency in Gauteng last month, was required as the site is adjacent to the Union Buildings.

Adrian de Villiers, the chief architect for public works's heritage advisory services, told Clarke in an e-mail that "there is no avoiding the fact that this principally high- density accommodation is on the wrong side of the road".

In response, De Villiers said "a frightening precedent" would be set if the development was allowed. He said the building "is an aggressive intervention in comparison with the buildings in the surrounding landscape".

Chairman of the ratepayers organisation, Linda Tyrrell, told the developers that the proposed modernistic design of the development "is out of architectural character" with the surrounding area.

Residents Abel Oguntona and Mwabisa Mdaka, residents of a block of flats in Church Street said they were against it.

Tom Burke, projects manager for City Property Administration, which will rent out the apartments, said they had taken all comments into account and altered the design to address the concerns.