'Ugly duckling turned into beautiful swan'

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - Service delivery to the community not only received a boost last week, but a historical building formerly in shambles, officially received a new lease on life.

On Thursday, 4 February, the much anticipated official opening of the Mossel Bay Shared Offices Building (SOB) on Marsh Street was held. The Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, was at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In 2015 Elaine Lamb Architects were commissioned by the Western Cape Government for this project, converting a hostel to a shared services building for various departments.

The building is older than 60 years. This triggered the need for an application to Heritage Western Cape, made by the Heritage Practitioner, André Vercueil, which was approved.

The project involved the restoration and refurbishment of Summer Heights (formerly known as House de Klerk), a girls' hostel built in 1950.

The property has had several uses during its lifetime but stood vacant for several years during which time it was stripped of almost all electrical cables, plumbing, ironmongery and become derelict.

In June 2012, a portion of the eastern section of the north wing was damaged by fire. This was restored but was also vandalised.

The new shared services building in Marsh Street.Photo: Elaine Lamb

Elaine Lamb said: "We had a clear design philosophy, which is in line with current global thinking of working with Heritage Buildings.

"This was supported by the Aesthetics Committee and Heritage Mossel Bay. Although the building was older than 60 years it had little actual heritage value other than the form, the imperial proportioned elegant sash windows, the plaque, its context and therefore it warranted a sensitive approach to the design. The design philosophy was to keep the building as intact as possible."

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, executive deputy mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Dirk Kotzé jokingly referred to the building as the "ugly duckling which was turned into a swan".

The building has been converted it into a top class shared services centre, housing the departments of Health, Agriculture, Social Development and Education to provide services to the community.

"I am proud that my department was able to consolidate old buildings and create a beautiful, bright building that is a one-stop shop to help communities. The Western Cape Government remains committed to bringing services closer to these most deserving residents," Madikizela said.

Watch a video below:

During excavations, remains of an old stone house were found. The stone has been used in the garden retaining walls and the excess was donated to Heritage Mossel Bay for use on other projects.

"Every effort has been made to maximise the site, the existing building and the new additions within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory and other requirements," said Lamb.

The site was handed over for renovation on 6 September 2018 and the project completed on 7 August 2020. During the R60 million project 48 jobs were created.

Minister Madikizela said that if the Western Cape wanted to address the new pandemic, being poverty due to job losses, which directly resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic, sustainable job creation was essential.

A proud moment for architect Elaine Lamb.