UPDATE: Heritage building owner justifies renovation
The building’s roof was deteriorating and people have been living in the building illegally.
The owner of the heritage building on the corner of Swan Street and Prince’s Avenue responded about recent reports about the Union Building.
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Heritage building might be threatened in CBD
On November 26 the City Times reported the building, built in 1917, is apparently being demolished.
According to the Provincial Heritage Resource Authority of Gauteng (PHRA-G) structures older than 60 years may not be altered or demolished without a permit from the authority.
The owner, Aniz Aboobaker, said he is not demolishing the building, but simply doing maintenance.
He explained he had to remove the roof as it was collapsing.
Aboobaker also said people have been breaking into the building, stealing cables and people are living in the building illegally.
He said he received a letter from PHRA-G stating that he is not allowed to alter the building.
He said he was not aware of the processes stipulated by the PHRA-G.
“We stopped building at this stage,” he said, adding he will wait for the proper documentation before resuming.
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Crystal Park crematorium out of order
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