The initial phase of the project involved the restoration of the former tram and bus terminus whilst carefully preserving its many heritage elements. Following the success of this stage, GVK-Siya Zama was tasked with making additions to the existing building. These included a new boardroom, garages, generator room, refuse room, parking area under the freeway, together with the installation of air conditioning systems and electrical works to the new phase, as well as a rustic landscape design.
GVK-Siya Zama was also responsible for overseeing the creation of an artwork on the external facade of the building. A Capetonian artist was enlisted to design the piece and local small, medium and micro enterprises were commissioned to complete the panels and carry out the installations.
Says Barend Delport, regional managing director at GVK-Siya Zama, “The combination of the team’s passion for the history of the building and in-depth knowledge of the site made the second phase a triumph.”
He says that one of the most interesting components of the project was the creation of purpose-made furniture, such as desks, cabinets, tables and chairs, from recycled timber and steel which were reclaimed from the original building.
The development can be rented out to the public for functions such as weddings, conferences, concerts and markets. Furthermore, the chef school on the property will be focused on social development by providing hospitality traineeships and courses.
“We firmly support the MBDA’s objectives of reversing the trend of urban decay and bringing people and business back into the inner city by leveraging existing assets. We believe that the renewed and improved Tramways building does just that,” concludes Delport.
