Earlier this month, another piece of history imploded in a cloud of dust when builders started demolishing the old Kroenen Brewery building, which was erected in 1912.

It will soon be replaced by yet another square, high-rise apartment building, which critics say has the aesthetic appeal of a Lego block.

Although the Municipality of Swakopmund has a Town Planning Amendment Scheme that provides for the identification of "Heritage Buildings", "Heritage Use" and a demarcated "Heritage Area", it is only now developing guidelines and legal mechanisms to protect what remains of what is regarded as some of the finest heritage architecture in Namibia.

In the case of the Kroenen Brewery, the National Monuments Council (NMC) granted permission for the demolition.

The NMC, however, only has jurisdiction over proclaimed national monuments, which leaves other historic buildings vulnerable to destruction or renovations.

In contrast to several past restoration and maintenance projects that successfully retained the character of historic buildings, recent examples of blots on Swakopmund's architectural horizon abound.

The glass construction that is the GIPF building in the main road could arguably be worthy of architectural awards, but 'The Titanic', as it has been dubbed by residents, is seen as an anachronism given the historic nature of its surroundings.

Only a block away, the Minette Court apartment building constitutes an unsympathetic architectural intrusion on the two historical buildings flanking it.

Critical damage inflicted to the middle part of the Bloedorn House, one of the oldest buildings in town, practically left it in ruins.

This was caused by the premature demolition of the building, which occurred before consent was given by the authorities and regardless of objections raised by concerned residents.

To voice the concerns of residents and visitors alike, the Swakopmund Residents Heritage Committee (SRHC) submitted a petition to the Swakopmund Municipality in July 2004.

It included a request for discussions on the Municipality's current mechanisms of safeguarding architectural and cultural heritage resources, as well as suggestions like the appointment of a team of professionals to establish a binding charter of guidelines for future development in the historic area.

It was also suggested that an aesthetics or heritage committee be established to preserve and enhance the authentic character of the area, as such committees exist and function effectively in Walvis Bay and Langstrand.

At the ensuing meeting, the Municipality and the SRHC agreed that a document identifying local buildings of historical architectural value would be drafted, which would then be added to the list in the Town Planning Scheme, and specify legal guidelines for its conservation.

This document will hopefully soon become a legally binding document in the Town Planning Scheme.

The SRHC is working with the Institute of Namibian Architects to digitise existing records, while a local architect is photographing buildings deemed to be of prime importance.

An Aesthetics Committee is being established and will advise the Town Engineer when it comes to approving building plans in the conservation area.

Its legal functions will be incorporated in the next Town Planning Amendment Scheme.

Robert Pohl, a member of the SRHC, stresses that conservation is not opposed to development; with some guidance, historic buildings can be adapted to suit modern demands without sacrificing their character, a prime facet of Swakopmund's tourism appeal.

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