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The Three Castles Building, located a short distance from the ABSA / Barclays precinct in the east of the Joburg CBD, has been in danger for many years. This unique building is a survivor but we fear she may be on her last legs! On a recent visit we noticed that one of the previously bricked up sections has been opened up allowing free access to the property (the building was sealed off at the beginning of 2013). Below are a few images of the neglect that continues to impact this Joburg icon…
[Click here to find out more about the history of the building and here for ongoing updates]
A large part of the site is a wasteland of bricks and rubble. A group of men that call the building home told us that 'men from Jeppe Boys are clearing the site so that they can build classrooms'. This sounds incredibly fishy to us!! Bricks are being cleaned, stacked and presumably removed from the site...
As we made our way from room to room we noticed huge holes and widening cracks...
Considering there is no love, no maintenance and no roof it is unsurprising that nature is starting to reclaim this building...
There were rumours a few years back that ABSA / Barclays was going to play a role in rehabilitating the site. Considering the company's well publicised commitment to the inner city and its close proximity to the Three Castles Building the fit seems obvious. Considering the shocking state of the the building ABSA / Barclays may just be its only hope!
Despite the horrific condition of this heritage icon it still has a beauty which could inspire a new use!
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