Pretoria’s well known ‘Sinbin’ makes a comeback at Loftus Park
A historic landmark next to Loftus Versfeld has been uniquely restored as part of the new Loftus Park development.
The Loftus Park development is an impressive new mixed use precinct adjacent to Loftus Versfeld.
The centre of this modern new building complex is the infamous Sinbin. This unassuming and rather simple building was constructed in 1929 as a clubhouse for the local tennis club.
When the tennis courts moved away many years later, it stood vacant for a time and it was then that its reputation changed. It became a rather infamous pub, the local hangout of rugby supporters before and after matches.
During this time the building was not treated kindly and to put it mildly ‘it took some shots’ which left it in a poor state of preservation.
When Abland purchased the land from the Blue Bulls Rugby Union a few years ago, they committed to retain the building due to its social and cultural significance as part of the broader sport complex. The developer’s aim was to restore it to its original splendour.
Although the architect is unknown, the Clubhouse is older than 60 years and is therefore protected under Section 34 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999). However, to accommodate two levels of basement parking, the entire site had to be excavated ten meters in depth.
Right in the middle of the site stood the Sinbin. The excavation would have left the Clubhouse standing on a very high earth pedestal with the associated risks.
Therefore Abland applied to the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of Gauteng via their Heritage Consultant Dr Janet du Plooy, to utilise the method of ‘deconstruction and reconstruction’ in restoring the Clubhouse.
“The Clubhouse of the Eastern Sports Ground is one of the few remaining historical clubhouses in Pretoria. In line with neo-Cape Dutch architecture the plan of the building is based on a Latin Cross,” explained Du Plooy.
Upon obtaining advice from Anton Jansen, a renowned Restoration as well as a Cultural and Industrial Heritage Advisor, this method of restoration was preferred. The method literally implies that the building is taken down brick by brick (deconstructed) while being carefully documented. All the building material is then numbered, placed in boxes for safe keeping and stored in a secure facility until reconstruction can commence.
Thus the building is built all over again using its original material but without any structural risk. The same method was followed with the Potato Sheds in Newtown, Johannesburg as well as Kaya Rosa at the Lynwood Road entrance to the University of Pretoria.
A further advantage was that students could benefit from learning through first hand observation. To this extent Abland welcomed around 35 final year architecture students and their Professors on site. The students enjoyed the opportunity tremendously and also welcomed the chance to observe a project of this size taking shape around them.
The new Loftus Park development includes an attractive and inviting piazza with water spouts and a little stream where children can play while their parents relax at one of the five restaurants surrounding the play area, as well as a ‘stage’ where events will be hosted regularly.
The Virgin Active Gym, Protea Hotel, Netcare Hospital and a hand-picked selection of shops form the base upon which the Prime Grade offices are situated.
Loftus Park will open its doors around April 2019 and is said to juxtapose the heritage aspects of the Clubhouse with a futuristic ‘smart city’ experience in connectivity.
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