The Western Cape has a proud architectural history. Our province has many historical homes and buildings that offer a glimpse into our architectural history and adds to our heritage.
In the Western Cape, there’s a variety of heritage properties ranging in style from Cape Dutch to bold Art Deco. Registering a heritage property with Heritage Western Cape helps to keep a database of all heritage properties, ensuring the preservation of our cultural and architectural heritage.
Identifying, protecting and maintaining these heritage resources will ensure that they are promoted and conserved for generations to come.
Owning a heritage property holds considerable appeal and will add tremendous value to your property. If you believe that you may own a heritage property and would like to register it, here’s how you can do it.
What is a heritage property?
Any structure older than 60 years is protected by the National Heritage Resources Act. Heritage properties are managed and graded by Heritage Western Cape (HWC) and the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA).
Heritage buildings are divided into different categories and sub-categories to determine their importance and which authority will manage it:
Grading |
Description of Resource |
Examples of Possible Management Strategies |
Heritage Significance |
I |
Heritage resources with qualities so exceptional that they are of special national significance. Current examples: Robben Island |
May be declared as a National Heritage Site managed by SAHRA. |
Highest Significance |
II |
Heritage resources with special qualities which make them significant in the context of a province or region, but don't fulfil the criteria for Grade I status. Current examples: St George’s Cathedral, Community House |
May be declared as a Provincial Heritage Site managed by HWC. |
Exceptionally High Significance |
III |
Such a resource contributes to the environmental quality or cultural significance of a larger area and fulfils one of the criteria set out in section 3(3) of the Act but that doesn't fulfill the criteria for Grade II status. Grade III sites may be formally protected by placement on the Heritage Register. These resources are currently managed by HWC unless the local authority has been found competent and has been granted delegated authority. |
||
IIIA |
Such a resource must be an excellent example of its kind or must be sufficiently rare. These are heritage resources which are significant in the context of an area. |
This grading is applied to buildings and sites that have sufficient intrinsic significance to be regarded as local heritage resources; and are significant enough to warrant that any alteration, both internal and external, is regulated. Such buildings and sites may be representative, being excellent examples of their kind, or may be rare. In either case, they should receive maximum protection at local level. |
High Significance |
IIIB |
Such a resource might have similar significances to those of a Grade III A resource, but to a lesser degree. These are heritage resources which are significant in the context of a townscape, neighbourhood, settlement or community. |
This grading is applied to buildings and/or sites whose significance is contextual, i.e. in large part due to its contribution to the character or significance of the environs. These buildings and sites should, as a consequence, only be regulated if the significance of the environs is sufficient to warrant protective measures, regardless of whether the site falls within a Conservation or Heritage Area. Internal alterations shouldn't necessarily be regulated. |
Medium Significance |
IIIC |
Such a resource is contributing significantly to the environs. These are heritage resources which are significant in the context of a streetscape or direct neighbourhood. |
This grading is applied to buildings and/or sites whose significance is contextual, i.e. in large part due to its contribution to the character or significance of the environs. These buildings and sites should, as a consequence, only be regulated if the significance of the environs is sufficient to warrant protective measures, regardless of whether the site falls within a Conservation or Heritage Area. Internal alterations shouldn't necessarily be regulated. |
Low Significance |
Not Conservation Worthy (NCW) |
A resource that, after appropriate investigation, has been determined to not have enough heritage significance to be retained as part of the National Estate. |
No further actions under the NHRA are required. This must be motivated by the applicant and approved by the authority. Section 34 can even be lifted by HWC for structures in this category if they are older than 60 years. |
No research potential or other cultural significance |
How to apply for heritage status
When you apply for heritage status, you will have to prove the following:
Applications can be made through Heritage Western Cape, the provincial heritage resources authority. Heritage Western Cape is responsible for identifying, protecting and conserving the rich and diverse heritage resources of the Western Cape.
To nominate a heritage building you will first have to complete the provincial heritage site nomination application form.
This form precedes the submission of the ‘nomination document’ and is designed to assist with the grading of heritage resources in terms Section 3(3) of the NHRA, as part of the process of declaration as a Provincial Heritage Site (Section 27). Nominated heritage resources that are of special provincial significance will be graded as Grade 2 and considered for Provincial Heritage Site status.
The following documentation is required upon submission:
When applying for heritage status you will need the following documentation for your application:
Once your application has been made, the site will be examined to determine whether or not the building is a heritage site and then graded accordingly.
Application to renovate a heritage building
Once your building has been declared a heritage site you will have to receive approval from Heritage Western Cape in order to make any changes or renovations to it. This includes:
If you would like to renovate a heritage property, here’s how you can do it:
Please note that all submissions must be made in hard copy to the Heritage Western Cape offices.
3rd Floor, Protea Assurance Building
Green Market Square
Cape Town
For more information regarding applying for heritage status, contact Heritage Western Cape:
E-mail: ceoheritage@westerncape.gov.za
Telephone: 021 483 9598
Fax: 021 483 9845
Street Address: 3rd Floor, Protea Assurance Building, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town, 8000
Postal Address: Heritage Resource Council, Private Bag X9067, Cape Town, 8000