Schubart Park to rise from ashes

Erstwhile occupants of the landmark Schubart Park towers in the city centre will have to wait until late next year before returning to their homes. “We are confident that in 18 months all the necessary work on the building would have been completed. The families should return to the flats by November 2017,” said Blessing Manale, spokesman for mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa. The buildings stand tall but battered, on the western outskirts of the heart of the capital. But behind the scenes, plans are being hatched to restore them to their former glory. After consultations with the residents on a range of viable options, all concerned agreed to the refurbishment and administration of the buildings within the context of the social housing programme. The options were demolition or refurbishment of the buildings. In terms of the agreement, the refurbishment would be done with a view to restoring the complex to sustainable accommodation.

Manale said the buildings would be refurbished in terms of designs that would adapt them into being a modern-day mixed development precinct. This would include social housing and rental stock to cater for the returning residents, he said. Manale said the first phase of the redevelopment commenced soon after the completion of the negotiations with concerned parties. To date, a security company had been deployed to restore order. Early works tenders have been approved and health and safety operational plans developed for implementation, Manale explained. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed with developers for the delivery of social housing. Site development plans had been approved by the city. “More than 500 residents of the flats have been placed in temporary accommodation in Sunnyside and suburbs north of Pretoria.” Manale said the initial process undertaken was the identification of former Schubart Park residents, done during three “open registration” periods. At least 648 families were positively identified from records of the city and tenants as former residents. Of these, 375 families were required to undergo an additional vetting process.

“We had teething issues with the relocation of residents, as some complained that the temporary accommodation was too small for their large families. “We have done our best to give them reasonable places. The tenants are also not paying rent where they are currently housed, in accordance with the agreement.” Schubart Park complex was built by the National Housing Board in the 1980s as a state-subsidised rental scheme, with tenants paying rent in accordance with their income. The complex became the responsibility of the municipality in 1999 when the buildings were in a serious state of disrepair. The four high-rise blocks of flats had a number of excellent recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and community hall, as well as shops. In 2012, the Constitutional Court had harsh words for the City of Tshwane, ordering plans be made to refurbish the buildings and reinstate the former residents to their homes. The city was also required to find them alternative accommodation in terms of the agreement.