The proposed changes to the Square in Riebeek Kasteel can be viewed at www.gnec.co.za (click on ‘documents on review’ then ‘Riebeek HIA’. Any comments may be submitted to Guillaume Nel at arcon@megaserve.net by 14 May 2018.

Below are a few paragraphs from the introduction:

This report comprises a Phase 1 heritage assessment of proposals for landscaping improvements to the historic market square of Riebeeck Square, sometimes known as ‘Rooios Plein’ after a monument depicting a red ox on its northeast corner. The purpose of the project is to provide improved public amenity and formalized organization of its current parking component.

This assessment in conducted in terms of Section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act (hereafter NHRA) and includes a heritage statement and heritage indicators for guiding the design development of the proposals.

The plan of study for this report is set out in accordance with a notice of intent to develop (NID) application to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) dated 23 March 2018. This NID application has yet to be responded to by HWC. In this application, prepared by the author of this report, an HIA is recommended on the basis that the proposed upgrades will have visual impacts on the existing character of the square. The heritage resources identified as being impacted are therefore the historic square itself, and the streetscapes and townscape immediately abutting the square.

Main image: Detail of a photograph taken in 1948 from the steeple of the Dutch Reformed Church looking towards Market Square with its two landmark pines that no longer exist (centre). (Image courtesy of Chris Murphy).