The Taj Cape Town is located in the old Reserve Bank and BOE (previously the Temple Chambers) buildings, on the corner of Wale and Adderley Streets.
The old Reserve Bank and BOE buildings are still in the process of being restored and renovated, but everything is on track for an early December 2009 launch.
History buffs will be happy to hear that modern interventions, in the external façade, have been kept to a minimum. These are exquisite and historic pieces of architecture and to ruin them, through thoughtless modernisation, would be a shame.
Instead – of reckless interventions – the Paarl granite and wrought iron work, on the old Reserve Bank, has been lovingly restored. It now looks as striking as it did when it was first erected.
It’s interesting to note that restoring the existing heritage items and working with them, incorporating them into the overall design and aesthetic, isn’t the easiest option. Most would have balked at the excess time and work restoration requires. Opting instead to destroy beautiful aspects of these prize Cape Town landmarks, or choosing to do nothing and letting them fall into disrepair.
Luckily for these two exquisite buildings, and the Cape Town city centre, that’s not the Taj way.
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