AfriForum concerned over future of Goodnow Hall

AfriForum is adding its voice to those of the heritage preservation group Friends of Wellington Museum (FWM) in their request to have the historic Goodnow Hall urgently restored and protected.   

The hall is situated on the Wellington campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). It was built in 1886 and served for decades as a centre for music and cultural activities in the town. Extensive restoration work was completed in 1996, which restored the hall to its former glory. It was torched on 26 October 2016 during the student protest actions, but has not yet been restored.

According to Alana Bailey, Deputy CEO of AfriForum concerned with heritage, the delay in the restoration process causes much concern. What has even more warning lights flickering is that no sufficient protective measures have been taken against rain damage to the structure. As a result, the rooms’ wooden floors are waterlogged and the stonework soaked, which means that structural damage are becoming more irreversible and restoration more expensive.

“AfriForum’s request to the CPUT to provide information about the delay and our offer of support received an abrupt answer per email (attached) that everything was under control. The FWM is so worried about the situation that they have arranged a media visit to the area,” Bailey says.

AfriForum has since repeated their offer of help.

“The ideal solution would be for the CPUT’s staff and students, as well as the community of Wellington and conservation experts to cooperate in saving this irreplaceable culture-historical landmark. We request the University to urgently address the situation, as well as any stakeholders who want to get involved to contact the FWM or AfriForum,” Bailey concludes.