One of Cape Town’s oldest fire stations has a new lease on life. First built in 1926, the Sea Point heritage site, has undergone a R7 million renovation that blends old-world character with modern essentials.
If you’ve strolled past the corner of Kloof and Regent Roads recently, you may have noticed the building's fresh fire-engine red coat of paint, while added improvements include a new roof and an electrical infrastructure overhaul.
READ: Sea Point Promenade upgrade wraps up: here's what's changed
The City confirmed that retaining the station’s original architectural features was central to the restoration plan. "It is important for communities to know that they are well-maintained and continue to provide services for those in need for generations to come," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman Smith.
The project, now 95% complete, was delayed for five months because of seagulls nesting in the heritage gutters. As a protected species, their nests couldn’t be disturbed until the chicks hatched and flew off. Councillor Nicola Jowell previously told People’s Post the gulls made themselves at home in the very features designed to preserve the building’s historic character.
Making the upgrades more than just cosmetic and adding to the appeal of the popular Atlantic Seaboard suburb.
Heritage in high gear
The Fire Station renovation forms part of the City of Cape Town’s broader focus on revitalising civic landmarks.
The 120-year-old City Hall clock tower has just received its own glow-up: the bells have been repaired and are chiming once more after years of silence, reinstating the building’s full character as a centrepiece of the CBD. City Hall remains a key venue for events like the State of the Nation Address and concerts by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
Take a listen to the newly-restored bells:
@timeoutcapetown The City Hall clock and bell chime is ticking in perfect time following its restorations which kicked off 6 months ago. We had an exclusive look at the clock chimes and tower that is a core part of the city’s heritage. #TimeOutCapeTown #capetown #tiktokcapetown #visitcapetown #capetownsouthafrica #capetowntravel #timeoutexclusive ♬ original sound - Time Out Cape Town
As Cape Town continues to grow and evolve, the preservation of these monuments reminds us that infrastructure upgrades aren't just functional - they add a sense of culture and place for those or live and visit the city.
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