Tourist destination becomes student accommodation
The Lock Street Jail Complex is currently undergoing a R19 million overhaul and is being transformed into accommodation for about 137 students.At first the thought of turning a historical jail into student accommodation boggles the mind but developers Eddie and Mac Richardson are quick to point out that the design of the complex offers a number of advantages.
The developers enlisted the assistance of Sindile Ngonyama to do the designs. There were many challenges to overcome. Foremost of these were the fact that the building is a historical monument and as such very strict constraints were placed on the design elements. The property also had to comply with Fort Hare University Guidelines and strict BCM regulations. The developers say that the design constraints have led to additional costs but that the final product will put the complex into a separate upmarket league compared to other available student accommodation.
The student complex is going to be known as the Lock Street Student Village. The original design of the jail leads to the complex having numerous advantages over other student accommodation in the area. The architect Sindile Ngonyama has been critical of RDP housing projects saying that they have been developed with little thought to living spaces. His influence in this design is clearly seen. For instance the courtyards will provide areas of outside rest and relaxation. Roof trusses in parts of the buildings have been raised to allow for additional space and floor levels adjusted accordingly.
The Lock Street Student Village will have extensive security. It will boast CCTV camera’s, access control, 17 lounges, each with fridges, stoves, microwaves and lockable lockers for individual students. Rooms are designed to accommodate between one and three students. Some of them are built to a higher spec and will be let at a premium. Each student will have their own cupboard, bed, desk and chair. A coin operated laundry facility will be provided for student use and there are 10 retail shops that have been earmarked for the complex. Amongst the retail tenants are a book shop / stationery store, a bakery, a hairdresser, an internet cafe, a take away outlet and more to confirm.
Parts of the complex remain as is. Most notably the gallows area and the solitary confinement cells as is the cell that is said to have housed political prisoner Winnie Madikizela Mandela. The developers are quick to point out that although the jail housed a gallows it was never commissioned and no one was executed at the jail.
The Lock Street Jail Complex was originally developed by the Small Business Development Corporation as a facility to house small businesses and to be a regional tourism attraction. The facility was probably ahead of its time and it failed to attract large volumes of shoppers and tourists. This paved the way for its sale and ultimate conversion to another use. The complex is within walking distance of the Fort Hare University campus and in close proximity to other student accommodation establishments in Fleet Street.
Text and Pic by Mike Hendrikse
