RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 27
PROJECT project
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REVITALISING A DURBAN LANDMARK
By Eamonn Ryan
HVAC upgrade for the Durban High Court.
historic Durban landmark is undergoing a R1-billion Public
A Works transformation that blends modern engineering with heritage preservation. The Durban High Court, a 115-yearold structure nestled just outside the CBD, is being completely upgraded as part of a massive Department of Justice( DoJ) project initiated in 2013, with construction commencing in 2021.
For Ganny Govender, managing director of LSG Consulting Engineers Inc., the Durban High Court and Admin Building renovation is more than just another assignment.“ It’ s an iconic, national key point project – the biggest Public Works project in the country right now,” he says.
The logistical complexity includes relocating court operations and the technical challenge of merging heritage architecture with cutting-edge HVAC design.
Initially designed to be a live upgrade, the project was later modified to decant Durban High Court operations to temporary premises within the Durban Magistrates Court in Somtseu Road. The parking section of the Magistrates Court was transformed into a fully-functioning high court.
RACA Journal I March 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 27