Conservation of heritage buildings in Boksburg

Abstract

Development in towns and cities often comes at a price. In most cases, this is the loss of the history and the heritage of the place. Few developers see buildings as adaptable structures, partly due to their own educational background, experience, profitability, poor implementation of legal restrictions, economic issues, profitability and partly, due to the legalities of modern building regulations. In the research report, I have situated the study area in the city of Boksburg, a place typical of an old gold mining centre on the Witwatersrand. In doing the research, the history of the place unfolds, as does the present day situation. It becomes evident, that, unless action to conserve structures is taken at all institutional levels, the physical evidence of the heritage and history will be lost forever. Suggestions and recommendations are made, pertaining to the processes required to conserve structures and the reasons for conservation