Restoration of the Old Granary building
A City-owned early 19th century heritage building in Buitenkant Street, known as the Old Granary, underwent an exciting R36 million restoration and rehabilitation after having been left vacant for many years. The building has been refurbished specifically for the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and is being used as office space, a peace centre, an archive centre and a museum.
About
The Old Granary was built by a Jacobus Hendricks in 1809 as a grain store and bakery. It was later used as the town granary, a customs house, women’s prison, magistrate’s court, post office, and public works offices and workshops. Due to its many uses, there are layers of fabric and construction visible.
The project outcomes include:
- restoring an early 19th century building (1809 original construction);
- rehabilitating the building to a Grade B office space to be leased to the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation; and
- creating a museum and interpretation centre.
During renovations, alterations were kept to a minimum and the façade of the building was preserved. Renovations were completed in November 2018.
The building was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 2019.
Permanent exhibitions
An important part of the restoration was the installation of a permanent exhibition that captures the rich history of the building, and its various uses and functions. A detailed description of the restoration process and the materials has also been included; which many visitors will find fascinating.
The Old Granary is steeped in history. If the walls could talk, you would go back in time to more than 200 years ago to get a feel for the people who lived and worked in the building. The internal spaces have not been glossed over but instead have been well preserved to showcase the building’s heritage status in its original condition. All aspects, even down to the original cracks and chips in the floor and on the walls were preserved, which is what gives this building its unique character.
Also featured, is the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation’s exhibition space. This permanent installation displays the original hand-written manuscripts and memos of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Both exhibitions flow seamlessly from one to the other and complement each other.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Restoration of the Old Granary building, please contact our main representative.
Margot van Heerden, Project Manager, Environmental Management Department
Telephone:
021 487 2003
Email:
margot.vanheerden@capetown.gov.za
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