Cape Town’s city hall needs renovation

City's tourist department requests funds for renovation works Cape Town's city hall requires at least R25 million for essential repairs and renovations, according to the city's tourism department.

The department described the current annual budget of R2m for maintenance work as insufficient, and says the building needs a major upgrade. It has requested an additional R20m for the next financial year and R60m for 2015 as part of a conservation management plan.

The city hall has not been renovated fully for 20 years and the department says the additional funds would pay for the upgrade of the electrical system and auditorium, as well as the repair of the roof, gutters and organ.

The building was constructed in 1905 and received international media attention when former South African president Nelson Mandela made his first speech there after his release from prison in 1990.

Located on the Grand Parade in the city centre, the Edwardian-style building was built from honey-coloured oolitic limestone imported from Bath in England.