Heritage council blocks demolition of Swakopmund landmark

Plans to convert one of Swakopmund’s most historically significant buildings into a luxury hotel have sparked a dispute between heritage authorities, developers and local stakeholders.

The proposal to redevelop the historic former municipal building and post office on Erf 989 was blocked by the National Heritage Council of Namibia, which found that the plan would demolish the majority of the highly graded heritage structure.

The council confirmed that the proposal would retain only the street-facing façade and staircases while demolishing most of the original building.

"We are partly objecting because they are proposing to demolish 90% of that building,” Jurgen Kuhanga, the built heritage officer, explained.

He said the council was concerned that approving such a proposal would undermine heritage protection nationwide.

“We want to set a precedent. We don’t want the demolition of such a building with that high magnitude degrading,” he said. “To demolish, and then it will set a precedent for other developers to do the same.”

The building carries an A98 heritage grading and forms part of Swakopmund’s proclaimed conservation area along one of the town’s historic streets, surrounded by several other significant heritage structures.

The council has directed that the historic core of the building must be retained and conserved in full.

Feedback needed

The public has been invited to comment on the proposed development through a notice placed by the National Heritage Council giving interested parties 14 days to inspect the plans and submit written comments.

However, when this publication visited the NUNW Centre in Swakopmund – the venue listed in the public notice where the plans were supposed to be displayed – the documentation was not available for inspection.

Kuhanga confirmed that the plans should have been accessible and said the council would follow up with the developer and architect.

“We told him to avail a place for us where the plans will be displayed. If it’s not available, then I have to follow up,” he confirmed.

He stressed that public participation is an essential part of heritage decision-making.

“It’s a heritage building, it’s a landmark,” Kuhanga said. “The public participants, it’s most valued.”

He added that strong public opposition could influence the council’s final position.

“If there are objections, definitely it won’t be conceded,” he said.

Erase a historical building

Based on architectural renderings and heritage documentation reviewed by Erongo, Namibian Sun's sister publication, the available drawings suggest a boutique-style hotel development that would extend around the courtyard and occupy most of the erf behind the historic street façade.

A person familiar with the heritage review process said the building’s significance lies not only in its façade but in the original internal fabric, including timber floors, doors, windows, ceilings and construction techniques that remain largely intact.

According to that source, removing most of the structure while retaining only the façade would effectively erase the building’s historical authenticity.

The property is currently owned by developer Rakhat Darmesh, linked to the proposed Atlantix Hotel project. Erongo attempted to contact a reported local partner in the development, Quinton Simon, but was unable to reach him for comment.

Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses, who previously owned the property before selling it, said she does not oppose development provided the legal requirements are followed.

“As long as he follows the heritage council provisions and the aesthetic committee in Swakopmund, it’s no objection,” she said.

She described the building as “a very precious building”, but added that development could benefit the region if it complies with the law.

“For me, I have no objection if the laws that are governing those types of heritage properties are complied with,” she said.

Public response

The dispute now places the project at a crossroads. The developer would need to submit a revised proposal that complies with heritage requirements before any work could proceed.

Meanwhile, the discussion has sparked strong public reaction online following the circulation of the Heritage Council notice on social media.

Some residents argued strongly for the preservation of the building in its current form. One commenter wrote that the building “may not be demolished”, while another said demolishing the structure and keeping only the façade would be “a disaster and damage to Swakopmund history”.

“Please keep the building as it is,” another wrote. “This is declared as heritage.”

Several residents also called for organised opposition to the development.

At the same time, some commenters expressed support for redevelopment if it is done responsibly. Some argued that upgrading the building could ensure its long-term preservation while also bringing economic benefits to the town.