AE01218P
A report on a heritage impact assessment (HIA)for the city of Tshwane Bus Rapid Transit Line 2 Tshwane, Gauteng
Summary
Archaetnos cc was appointed by Iliso Consulting (Proprietary) Limited to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment for the City of Tshwane Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lines 2A and 2B. These lines, which includes a number of Stations and so-called Memory Box Stations runs between Pretoria Central and Menlyn via Hatfield through the following roads: Paul Kruger Street, Skinner Street, Kotze Street, Jorissen Street, University Road, Festival Street, Arcadia Street, Grosvenor Street, Burnett Street, Lynnwood Road, Atterbury Road, General Louis Botha Drive, Aramist Avenue and Lois Avenue.
The line development is located within an urban setting and as a result the area has been extensively disturbed in terms of the archaeological context of the area’s past. However, from a historical point of view the line does cross through areas with high heritage significance, specifically in terms of the built environment. It is this aspect that will be dealt with during the assessment and in the Report.
From a Cultural Heritage point of view the development can continue, taking into cognizance the conclusions and recommendations made at the end of this document. It is clear that the development is located mainly in an urban setting and that the area has been heavily disturbed and changed in character in the past through various developments, including residential, industrial, retail, infrastructural and commercial enterprises. Even existing historical structures have been impacted on to a large degree. Very little of the original natural or archaeological and historical landscape still exist and any evidence of prehistorical settlement have been extensively disturbed or destroyed over the last 150 years or so. However, portions of the development are located in an historically built landscape and many structures older than 60 years of age do exist in the area. Some of these buildings are of national, provincial or local heritage significance. The impacts of the development will however be minimal, and will mainly entail visual impacts and a possible change in the historical sense of place. Other impacts, such as increase in traffic and pedestrian numbers could result in vandalism, accidental damage during construction work and security risks, and these aspects will have to be addressed in the Heritage Management Plan as well.
An Architectural Historian needs to be consulted to do a detailed Assessment of the Heys Memorial Hall building, the Aspasia Building/Zoo Café as well as the Pretoria Science and Technology Museum building. These buildings have a fairly high heritage significance and need to be preserved. A Heritage Management Plan for these sites, based on this individuals findings and recommendations have to be drafted and implemented, while a similar plan needs to be implemented for the Church Square Heritage Area. These Management Plans needs to incorporated into the EMP for the project.
Report by
A.J. Pelser - Accredited member of ASAPA
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