Refurbishment Works to Welcome Cottage Property in Simon’s Town

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is a statutory body established under the National Heritage Resources Act (Act No. 25 of 1999) and operates as an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. It is the national administrative authority responsible for identifying, managing, protecting, and promoting South Africa’s cultural heritage resources. SAHRA coordinates the management of the national heritage estate, ensuring heritage sites of cultural significance are preserved for present and future generations, while setting standards and policies for heritage conservation across the country.

Welcome Cottage is a historic national monument located in Glencairn, Simon’s Town, dating back to the early 1800s. Originally leased in 1810 to HE Brand, Deputy Fiscal at Simon’s Town, the cottage is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture and has strong ties to the Brand family, including prominent political and legal figures in South African history. The project involved comprehensive maintenance, refurbishment, and structural repairs aimed at preserving this culturally significant site, enhancing structural stability, upgrading electrical and drainage systems, improving accessibility, installing security fencing, and ensuring compliance with current safety and building standards.

This project safeguards a treasured cultural landmark, supporting heritage tourism and educational initiatives within the region. It delivers direct socio-economic benefits by creating local employment and developing skills during refurbishment works. The installation of security fencing enhances long-term protection of the site, contributing to sustained community pride. The project aligns with SAHRA’s objectives for financial sustainability of heritage assets and promotes responsible heritage management practices across the preservation industry.

Key Features of the Project:

• Restoration and repair of wooden floors, ceilings, ironmongery (door handles, locks, hinges), fascia boards, and guttering
• Thorough repair and repainting of internal and external walls, revitalizing the interior and exterior spaces
• Structural underpinning of foundations and reinforcement of flooring and cracked walls to ensure longevity
• Construction of paved walkways, aprons, and integration of subsoil drainage systems (including gulley grids and stone-wrapped geotextiles) for effective water management and improved site accessibility
• Installation of a block retaining wall for soil stabilization and erosion prevention
• Demolition of redundant structures, safe asbestos roof removal by certified contractors, and thorough site clearance
• Installation of security fencing to protect the heritage property during and beyond refurbishment
• Upgrades to electrical infrastructure including rewiring, new distribution board, interior lighting, external security lighting controlled by photocell, and installation of a gate motor at access gate.

Balancing the delicate preservation of the historic structure with rigorous modern building, fire, and safety regulations posed notable challenges. Underpinning techniques were employed to stabilize the foundations with minimal disturbance at sections where structural damage was evident. The asbestos roof of the garage was safely removed by certified authorities following strict environmental and health protocols and disposed of at an approved facility. Advanced drainage solutions, including geotextiles and gulley grid systems, were used to manage persistent water intrusion into the structure walls. Security fencing was introduced as a proactive measure to guard the site from vandalism and unauthorized access throughout the project lifecycle and future.

The retention of the existing garage reduced demolition waste. All asbestos materials were responsibly disposed of per regulatory requirements to protect environmental and human health. Durable security fencing was installed to provide ongoing protection with minimal ecological footprint. A solar geyser was installed to reduce electricity consumption.

This project represents the achievement of conserving a culturally significant heritage site, combining historic preservation with modern engineering and security enhancements. It exemplifies how multi-disciplinary expertise can collaborate to extend the lifespan, safety, and accessibility of heritage assets—strengthening community identity and pride for present and future generations.
Project Team

• Client and Oversight: South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
• Client Project Manager – Ms. Zaida Allie
• Contractor’s: Masiqhame Trading 1555C / Pancare Property Services

Employers Agent – Lukhozi Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd
o Project Director (Mr. James Lochner)
o Project Leader (Mr. Francois Cronje)
o Electrical / Fire (Mr. Jaundre Duvenhage / Mr. Bernard Oosthuizen)
o Structural (Mr. Pieter Smit / Wendy Vusani)

• Landscape Architect: ARLA Consulting (Pty) Ltd
• Health & Safety Agent: Safe Working Practice (SWP)