The renovation of a large industrial shed tucked away in Pretoria’s CBD was carried out with a very light touch, providing amenities for its use as an events space while maintaining the integrity of the industrial fabric.
The site is located close to the State Theatre and opposite the Reserve Bank building, and is of the one of the last remaining examples of industrial heritage in the CBD. Its central location makes the site significant in the re-activation of the city centre.
In order to retain the integrity of the existing industrial fabric, a portion of the new facilities such as the entrance building and toilet facilities are provided in shipping containers. These reflect a warehouse industrial aesthetic. Most of the existing brick fabric of the building has been retained, including broken parts of the building such as the existing windows.
The first Market@theSheds took place at 012 Central on 18 October, in association with the Cool Capital Biennale and The Capital Collective, as a contribution to the revitalization and restoration of the inner-city. Since this initial activation, the space has hosted various other events.
The project is part of the wider regeneration of inner city Pretoria led by City Property, and is set to become a catalyst for new activity in the area.