For many years, the heritage community in Johannesburg has been searching for a way to let property owners know up front whether they need to follow heritage processes before carrying out work. This Heritage Month, I am happy to announce that such a tool has arrived with the launch of The Heritage Register (click here to view).
Very few Joburg citizens are aware that they need a permit from the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority Gauteng (PHRAG) before they can alter or demolish any part of a property that is within a heritage area, is a declared (or provisionally declared) heritage site or is older than sixty years. With the new system, users can see which 'flags' apply and what processes they need to follow. Not only does this improve decision making and reduce the risk of breaking the law but it helps to preserve significant spaces and places across the city.
A screenshot of the 'flags' that appear on Heritage Register site listings. Users click on the label for guidance on what processes apply.
The Heritage Register provides users with various options to find the property they are looking for including a map search and a google search. Users must, however, be aware that only a few suburbs have been covered so if a property doesn't appear on the system, it doesn't necessarily mean that no flags apply (users will need to conduct their own research or hire a professional to assist when this happens).
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