Adaptive reuse is a concept in property development where old buildings are repurposed instead of being torn down. Successful adaptive reuse projects in South Africa require a multifaceted approach that balances legal compliance, financial viability and community needs. The key elements include navigating complex regulatory environments, securing appropriate professional expertise, engaging meaningfully with communities and heritage authorities, conducting comprehensive feasibility studies, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability, says Megan Jarvis and Sulani Jooste, who are partners at Webber Wentzel.
They say that as South Africa continues to grapple withurban development challenges, adaptive reuse offers a promising pathway for sustainable growth that preserves cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. “However, realising this potential requires coordinated policy reform, regulatory streamlining, and targeted financial incentives to encourage private sector participation in this vital aspect of urban regeneration.” Adaptive reuse is said to represent an approach to property development that addresses both economic and environmental imperatives in the country’s built environment. The full-service law firm examined the legal framework, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the repurposing of existing structures, providing practical guidance for developers, legal practitioners, and policymakers navigating this complex field.
