SPRUCED UP CITY HALL READY TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AGAIN
Press release from the City of Cape Town
It’s been a marathon nine-month revamp for City Hall, the Grand Old Dame who has undergone a nip and tuck to restore her to her former beauty. Standing tall and proud for 113 years with the majestic Table Mountain in the background, this makeover is the first major refurbishment of the facility since 1947.
City Hall has served as the venue for both nationally and internationally important events through its years of service to the residents of Cape Town. The Council Chamber, at its heart, was where matters of local importance were debated and decisions taken that were to shape Cape Town into the city as we know it today.
Main facade of City Hall (The Heritage Portal)
The bulk of the work in the City Hall’s makeover is in the final stages with the finishing touches currently being made to the auditorium. The current phase includes extensive work in the auditorium and surrounding function rooms. Read more…
The City of Cape Town has cancelled the Request for Proposals for the development of the Foreshore Freeway Precinct.
The economic outlook and the tender process are the reasons cited for the decision to stop the development of the foreshore project.
Read the City’s statement below.
The City of Cape Town’s City Manager has, upon receiving legal advice, taken the decision to cancel the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Foreshore Freeway Precinct. The six bidders were notified of the decision in writing on Friday, 13 July 2018.
Having received legal advice, the City concluded that a lack of sufficient clarity in the RFP documentation rendered the evaluation criteria vague.
“Procurement processes must be compliant with the rule of law, in particular with Section 217 of the Constitution which governs public procurement. There must be no doubt about the integrity of these processes and, as such, I have decided to cancel the RFP,” said the City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo .
Call for nominations for the 2018 Simon van der Stel Awards
The National Council of the Heritage Association of South Africa has for many years rewarded individuals and organisations who have given unstintingly of their time and expertise to conserve South Africa’s heritage resources and who, in the words of the preamble to the National Heritage Resources Act, have by their example “encourage(d) communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so that they may be bequeathed to future generations”.
The awards recognise outstanding conservation efforts across South Africa as adjudged by a distinguished panel of heritage and conservation experts. All societies or bodies affiliated with HASA and the general public are asked to nominate individuals, or bodies, that they believe warrant awards. A panel of conservation experts are appointed each year to consider the nominations and recommend deserving winners to the HASA Council.
There are three awards made by HASA, namely the Simon van der Stel Gold Medal, the Simon van der Stel Gold Certificate and the national Award of Merit. The Gold Medal Award is given to an individual, while the Gold Certificate is awarded to an organisation. Both are regarded as the premier awards of HASA. The third award category, the National Award of Merit, is presented to an individual who has made a worthwhile contribution to heritage conservation in South Africa.
Nominations for this year’s awards must reach HASA by 31 July 2018. Read more…
Long-standing board member retires
Last week the Trust paid tribute to long-standing board member Derek Stuart-Findlay who retired after a remarkable 30 years’ service on the board of Trustees of the Cape Town Heritage Trust.
Derek has added his wisdom in guiding the Trust through its early founding days including the restoration and development of one of the Trust’s flagship projects, Heritage Square, in the central city. Formerly a senior property manager with Old Mutual, Derek has been involved in numerous organisations including the Central City Improvement District and the Cape Town Partnership where he served as interim acting CEO for a short while.
Derek has numerous commitments and he intends to continue writing (he is the author of a number of publications); he also remains a passionate member of the Crankhandle Club!
The Trust wishes Derek and his wife Pat, all the best for an extremely busy retirement.
Seen here with Derek at the celebratory drinks after his last board meeting are (from left to right):
Back: Cllr Dave Bryant, Cllr Simon Liell-Cock, Andre Bredenkamp
Front: Cllr Brandon Golding, Laura Robinson (CEO) Tamra Capstick-Dale (Chairperson), Norman Osburn, Derek Stuart-Findlay, Prof Andre van Graan