Concern over one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s oldest historical buildings that has been in a derelict state for several months has sparked a renewed restoration initiative which started earlier this week at the Pearson Conservatory in St George’s Park.
This is after the municipality spent about R5.5-million on the upgrade and restoration of the park landmark eight years ago.
In 2010, the municipality undertook major structural renovations, which included replacing all the glass and window frames, all the woodwork, and rebuilding using steel.
Having scooped up a couple of awards shortly after the initial renovation and upgrade, the conservatory’s subsequent neglected state has caused concern among park visitors.
Peeling paint, broken window frames, graffiti on the walls and needles strewn across the inside of the greenhouse’s floor could be seen, while vagrants are believed to have used the building for shelter despite daily security patrols.
The Pearson Conservatory first opened in September 1882 and was named after Henry Pearson, the man who established St George’s Park. The Victorian-style conservatory comprises a 7.6m by 15.2m central building with a central skylight and two wings.
First questioned about the state of the building, municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said the municipality was aware of the vandalism and when Weekend Post visited the site, several workmen were restoring the inside of the greenhouse.
Flower beds were stripped and emptied, window panes were being refurbished and the flooring being stripped.“According to my knowledge there has been some vandalism – breaking windows and handles, vagrants that are sleeping over and messing on the premises – however, the security chased them away,” Mniki said earlier.
The tourist attraction and popular photographic backdrop venue is managed by the parks and cemetery department.
Mniki said the municipality owned the premises.
“The Pearson Conservatory is utilised by local, national and international tourists due to its historically significant background. It is also utilised for wedding photo shooting and for filmmaking.
“We have made plans to boost the presence of security and fence the landmark so that it can be locked after hours,” he said.
Upon further questioning, municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said: “We have started with the refurbishment of the Pearson Conservatory. We are in the process of completing the fencing of the facility, and have removed plants and soil and started fixing the windows.
“We have security officers doing patrols at the conservatory during the day and it is securely locked at night. As soon as the refurbishment is done and it is ready to open, security will be beefed up on a 24-hour basis,” Baron said.
Eight years ago, architectural firm The Matrix CC Urban Designers and Architects was hired to oversee the ambitious renovations when work commenced in April 2010 and it was completed by July 2011.
Regular park visitor Sidney Kahn, 88, of Linkside, who walks his two dogs in the park, said he was dismayed by the deteriorating state of the conservatory.
“My wife and I are frequent and regular visitors to the park as we enjoy its peace and tranquility, but have become disheartened by the deteriorating state of the facilities.
“We regularly meet tourists from all over the world there, and the park is on the recommendation list to these tourists,” he said.
Kahn said on one of his walks earlier this week he had noticed work had commenced at the greenhouse.
“It is pleasing to see things have changed and some improvements have been done because you would be amazed at how many people visit this park.”
Amateur photographer Nadine Larter, 38, said she had had many photo shoots at the greenhouse and was disappointed about its state, but more so about the green fencing that had been erected around the building.
“It is such a beautiful building and I can guarantee there are several brides who have had their wedding pictures taken there. For it to now be enclosed by a hideous green fence is disappointing,” she said.