Storm-rattled Bluff Millenium Tower takes a knock
The tower also experienced other major structural damage during the storm
DURBAN resident Jeremy Hurter’s nights spent looking at the bright lights of the Bluff’s Millenium Tower have left him disappointed as he noticed recently the entire framework which lights were attached to and which indicated the wind direction, were missing.
Hurter said he was saddened to find only the concrete tower and central mast left.
“The Bluff Millenium Tower was hailed as an architectural marvel and had all these features which made it look great from a distance at night. I have been trying to find out what has happened to the Millenium Tower,” said Hurter.
The tower was designed by Soundspace Designs, which was awarded the contract after winning a design competition. Th striking landmark on the Bluff headland features a huge 37-metre high rotating cowl and wind vane which reflects wind direction and a 50-metre spire which indicates tidal movement.
The building which provides a 360-degree view over the port, city and sea approaches to Durban, is occupied by the port control and signals staff.
Traffic light signals visually regulate navigation in the port entrance channel and a computer driven sunscreen with horizontal and vertical blinds tracks the sun’s movement.
This feature constantly changes the external appearance of the tower throughout the day and effectively becomes an indication of the time of day, while at night lighting colours within the cowl change according to a random algorithm driven by the tide, wind direction and humidity.
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Port engineer, Malefetsane Setaka and Captain Justin Adams, deputy harbour master: Vessel traffic services at the Port of Durban said the rotating steel cowl which surrounded the Millennium Tower was badly damaged during the unprecedented storm experienced in Durban on 10 October 2017.
“The steel cowling structure at the top of the tower was designed to rotate with the direction of the wind but has not been operational for some time and the storm exacerbated existing structural challenges,” said Setaka.
The tower also experienced other major structural damage, including damage to its wind vane and major leaks throughout.
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Port Control employees were relocated to temporary premises elsewhere in the port as the building was deemed unsafe for work. A standby port control room was set up at the Durmarine building, using all the same technology including radars and vessel traffic services (VTS) log.
“A decision was taken to remove the cowl and Transnet National Ports Authority is presently evaluating the best concepts for its replacement because the previous structure, while aesthetically attractive, posed numerous maintenance challenges. Initial repairs to the building have been completed and Port Control employees will be moving back into their offices in the tower next week,” he added.
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