Construction of the R2,5bn Gauteng government precinct and its controversial central square has been delayed pending the outcome of an appeal by the province against a decision to allow the demolition of only five of the 10 disputed buildings in Johannesburg's inner city.

Construction of the R2,5bn Gauteng government precinct and its controversial central square has been delayed pending the outcome of an appeal by the province against a decision to allow the demolition of only five of the 10 disputed buildings in Johannesburg's inner city.

The controversy surrounding the proposals for the new Gauteng Provincial Government Precinct — the Kopanong Project at Beyers Naude Square in central Johannesburg — has served to drown out the merits of the scheme.

Architects and heritage consultants have lodged a request for an urgent appeal against a controversial decision by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) to demolish 10 historic Art Deco-style buildings in Johannesburg's inner city.

Architects and heritage consultants have lodged a request for an urgent appeal against a controversial decision by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) to demolish 10 historic Art Deco-style buildings in Johannesburg’s inner city.