Cape Town's City Hall closed for renovations

By Magemu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The contractor has commenced with an extensive revamp of the auditorium which will include the following:

• Replacing the existing seating
• Restoring the floor
• Repairing the stage and backstage area
• Restoring all of the mouldings
• Painting the auditorium
• Installing mechanical ventilation
• Installing a public address system

111 years old, plans are afoot to position the surrounding precinct and the City Hall as a musical events venue, in addition to being the home of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and Cape Choirs.

Showcasing CT talent

"We plan to reinstate a monthly free concert once we reopen the revamped venue where we will be able to showcase the city’s talents accompanied by the magnificent organ – a key feature of the City Hall," said City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Assets and Facilities Management, Councillor Stuart Diamond.

"City Hall is one of our oldest and most central public spaces, with a rich history that resonates with Capetonians as well as visitors to our city. As a key strategic asset of the city, its upkeep and maintenance has to be done with the utmost care to preserve the integrity of this heritage building and the equipment within. The refurbishment will enhance the aesthetics of the building that lies within the historical and cultural heart of Cape Town. This is in line with the priorities of the city’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan which seeks to optimise our natural and strategic assets.

"The only way the work can be done is to close down the venue to allow the restorers to undertake the work uninterrupted and with the utmost care," explained Diamond.

The upgrades will span the next three financial years and the work will cost in the region of R27m which will be spread across this period.