A new contractor will be assigned to continue the much-anticipated R41 million upgrade of the Sea Point Promenade and Granger Bay Parking area, which was put on hold. The Sea Point Fire Station, a heritage site, is currently undergoing a R10 million renovation.
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According to JP Smith, a member of Mayco Safety and Security, there will not be any significant alterations made to the building itself; instead, the Fire Station, which is situated between Regent and Kloof Street, will undergo maintenance.
The decades-old building received approval and a permit from Heritage Western Cape for repairs to the damaged ceiling as well as work related to plumbing and electrical systems.
Smith clarified, ‘The project will run over two financial years, with Phase 1 commencing this financial year.’
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‘The work entails external painting and roof repairs due to significant water damage as well as internal upgrades and painting, attendance to structural damage such as concrete spalling. Mechanical and electrical compliance is in the process of being scoped so that those phases can be executed in the new financial year.’
‘The operations of the Fire Station will not be impacted.’
A much-needed renovation with a budget of R10 million, according to Ward Councillor Nicola Jowell, is a significant moment for residents and infrastructure.
‘The Sea Point Fire Station is a historic building in the centre of Sea Point, it is the landmark between the Main Road, Regent and Kloof Road,’ she added.
‘It has been used as a fire station for many decades.’
‘It has become in need of renovations to bring it back to life again.’
‘The current budget is R10m to restore not only the outside but also the inside such as electrical to plumbing as well as new roofs, gutters and a new coat of paint.’
‘The contractor has started on site with the exterior works to the building all under the watchful eye of the City’s heritage consultants as well as permit provided by Heritage Western Cape because it is a heritage building.’
‘This process is anticipated to go for five to six months before it is completed.’
‘Fire stations are a beacon of safety and security in our communities. The residents feel a connection not only to the fire women and men, but the building as well, and to see it upgraded is a relief and the community has responded with enthusiasm to see this project finally getting under way.’
This week, Jowell and Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, also used social media to let locals know that the R41 million renovation project for the Granger Bay parking area and Sea Point Promenade would finally start after a new contractor was hired.
Jowell had previously mentioned that occupational health concerns had also been brought up and that the former contractor had worked slowly.
An additional walkway, a new lawn and stairwell repairs were among the upgrades and restorations planned for the beachfront of the Granger Bay parking area, which had been under construction for a year.
‘Over the last two weeks the site has been handed over to a new main contractor and work will be restarting again.’
‘New completion date will be November this year.’
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‘This is great news after the massive frustration we had all felt over the last four months.’
‘And contrary to some opportunistic politicians the money never disappeared but has been carried over for this new contract as it should be,’ said Jowell.
Andrews added: ‘With the amended timeline with funds not being lost, it remains in the City’s coffers with the appointment of the new contractor, we will pay the contractor who will commence with the following works.’
‘Encasement of a wall, encasement of the storm water pipe, concrete works which includes the staircases which will be the priority before the end of the financial year,’ said Andrews.
Jowell said it came as relief for residents who have been patient.
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Picture: Nicola Jowell / Facebook
