Architects comment on Ocean Terminal Building demolition

WHILE plans to demolish the Ocean Terminal Building were recently highlighted as part of a Point Precinct redevelopment plan to enrich the Port of Durban, local architects believe the building’s rich history and heritage are a greater asset to the area.

In a statement, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) said the redevelopment of the precinct will require various buildings and structures to be demolished – many of them, like the Ocean Terminal Building (OTB), are over 60 years old.

According to TNPA, an application was made to Amafa in November 2022, and a public meeting, hosted by Amafa, was held on February 21 for respondents to table their objections. Following this application, as well as an upcoming Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be conducted over a 12-month period, demolition is expected to commence in April 2024.

Lindsay Napier, an architect commenting on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Region of the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), raised several concerns around the proposed demolition – both in terms of heritage and sustainability. She added that objectors have not received confirmation that the demolition permit has been issued.

Napier and fellow architect Paul Dekker inspected the property on May 20 and 25, 2021, before compiling a report on the heritage and significance of the OTB. According to their report, the Ocean Passenger Terminal was developed to service the export of goods as well as passenger travel between South Africa and England.

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“At the time of its completion in 1962, it was said to be the flagship of port development projects in the country and harnessed the most advanced technologies in its construction and operations. It included warehousing spaces for goods and fruits, across two levels, and a public-accessible ocean terminal across two levels above. Port administrative operations were accommodated in an eight-storey office block, known as Durmarine, to the north of the ocean-terminal arrival hall,” read the report.

Adding to this, Napier said, “All 60-year-old buildings are screened by Amafa – some are more significant than others. Their significance is rated in terms of the Heritage Act – according to their cultural, historical, environmental, social, scientific and technical significance. The buildings offer so much to the city as well-designed and functional buildings. In an era of energy conservation and sustainability, architects are looking at reducing the carbon footprint and recycling buildings and structures for new uses. More energy is consumed in demolishing and disposing of an existing structure than recycling.”

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She added that an open-air, level car-and-container terminal has been proposed for the area.

“The harbour precinct is in an environmentally sensitive area – both the natural environment and within the city context. The buildings are in proximity to the Point Waterfront, and the proposal of a car terminal will impact the Point greatly, reducing land values and desirability for tourists and residents,” said Napier.

Napier also highlighted the architectural significance of the OTB.

“The architect collaborated with artists and sculptors in an unusual approach to the design of a building. This made the building interesting to the layman and softened the otherwise austere look. The mosaic artwork in the picture was done by Hooper, a senior lecturer of arts at the University of Natal. The sculpture of Neptune was by Jim Hall, an artist and sculptor who contributed to many well-known public buildings in Durban,” she said.

Over the years, OTB has served several functions. It served as a passenger terminal for approximately 15 years, offices for Portnet, conference facilities and as a popular entertainment venue and nightclub in the 80 and 90s.

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