CGH & the significance of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA)
The starting point for converting CGH from the old Woodstock Hospital to a new Social Housing Project, as planned by the city, is to decide what of the building complex is kept and what can be demolished.
The decision on this is made by Heritage Western Cape (HWC), the provincial body that exists to protect buildings and places that have heritage value.
From what has been seen from the new designs for CGH, produced by the Consultants appointed by the City of Cape Town (CoCt), there is a lot of what exists that they propose should be demolished. This includes the central Spine (enclosed walkway structure) that links all the Blocks together. There has been no consultation with the CGH Community on any of this.
Heritage Western Cape will be meeting soon to decide if it supports what is being proposed by the CoCT Consultants. They will consider a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) Report presented by the CoCt’s Heritage Consultant.
The HIA Report supports the demolitions. CGH have been asked to comment on this Report.
