Online register to preserve City’s heritage
The Inner City where Johannesburg was originally established has a large concentration of heritage buildings which should be protected and appreciated for their historic value.
With this in mind, an online Heritage Register has been developed to alert property owners up front whether or not they need to get heritage approvals before carrying out any work.
Once a user has clicked through to a site listing, they will access to information on the heritage status of the property, construction date and architect.
Without such information, property owners could be unsure whether they need a permit from the Heritage Authority before they can alter or demolish a property that is older than sixty years, or which may be a declared heritage site.
In a quest to preserve the city’s heritage, the information on the register also ensures that correct procedures are followed with regards to renovations and restorations.
The development of the Heritage Register is the result of a partnership between the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP), local heritage groups, and the City of Johannesburg.
The Regional Head for Region F, MMC Funzela Ngobeni says “heritage sites are living monuments and record of certain developments which serves as a real connect to the past”.
As seen in many examples around the world, heritage preservation has the potential to boost inner city revitalization, and attract cultural tourism. “A record of these of these sites will help create a sense of civic pride and an emotional attachment to place”, adds Ngobeni.
One purpose of developing the Heritage Register is to ensure that there is sufficient information easily available for potential investors and developers to allow them to make informed decisions when purchasing property in the inner city and other parts of Johannesburg.
With the new system, users can see which “flags” or protections apply, and what processes they need to follow. Not only does this improve decision making and reduce the risk of breaking the law, but it helps to preserve significant spaces and structures in the historic Inner City.
The Heritage Register has been designed specifically for property owners and developers, so that they are aware of any flags at the beginning of the planning process. However, the system will also be useful to others including City officials, researchers, architects, journalists, tour guides and heritage enthusiasts.
Further to this, the Register also contains a list of service providers which assists property owners with various heritage related needs.
Users should however be aware that not all buildings have been covered so far on the Heritage Register.
In an event that a property does not appear on the system, it does not mean that no flags apply.
When this happens, users are urged to conduct their own research, or hire a professional to assist with sourcing more information.
To access the Heritage Register, go to: www.heritageregister.org.za
CLLR FUNZELA NGOBENI
MMC Development Planning
For media queries, please contact:
Sekgabo Kedijang
Media Specialist
Office of the MMC: Development Planning
Tel: 011 407 6024
Cell: 081 234 4642
E-mail: sekgabok@joburg.org.za
