PROJECT
New materials
Bringing the structure into the 21st century required the sensitive and optimal use of modern materials that were not available during the golden years of mailship travel.
For example, for the secondfloor restaurant, a custom-made powder-coated aluminium sunscreen was specified, further reinforcing the contrast between new and old elements and providing important shading for the glazed façade on the second floor.
As the space is largely used for retail and hospitality, the new design and layout address these segments purposefully. Specific design elements to facilitate the retail spaces included:
• A free-flow ground floor – it is possible to walk through the building’ s concourse from the Alfred Plaza to the newly developed Union Square. Welcoming originalstyle doors on the northern and southern sides make this a reality.
• The first floor was pulled back from its façade to emphasise history and height, and to allow the entry of natural light. This pull-back creates a dramatic double volume with filtered light, connecting the first floor to the ground. It provides a poignant nod to the building’ s legacy, with the raw concrete beams that formed part of the original UCB first-floor structure left exposed to support the narrative of the building’ s history.
• On the roof is the lightweight structure accommodating the glazed pavilion restaurant set back from the building ' s original parapet to create a stunning balcony all around the pavilion. This pedestrian space was incorporated by the designers to maximise the location and panoramic views.
The above, along with other design layers, provides clear clues as to how the matter of appropriate tenancy was approached.
Heritage considerations
Working with a building formally protected under the National Heritage Resources Act( NHRA), No. 25 of 1999, presented significant heritage constraints. This necessitated close collaboration with Heritage Western Cape and the BELCom Committee. Numerous submissions and ongoing engagements were guided by the project heritage practitioner, Mike Scurr, to ensure alignment with the heritage regime.
Panoramic lift enters directly onto the 360 ° balcony and Marble restaurant on the South side.
Candor
Candor is a multidisciplinary consultancy established in 2018 by Mark Chong and Johan Slabber, with each contributing their own unique skills and expertise. The focus of the company is to provide tailor-made Quantity Surveying, Development Management and Project Management services to clients, drawing from their extensive experience in the construction industry.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT johan @ candorafrica. com 082 295 0750
QUANTITY SURVEYING mark @ candorafrica. com 073 584 5695 www. tobuild. co. za | autumn 2026 29