As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, AECOM reflects on how preserving history is not only a cultural responsibility but also a critical part of its Sustainable Legacies strategy. By integrating heritage into new developments, the company ensures that structures of historic value continue to inspire, educate, and shape communities, while giving the next generation of professionals hands-on experience with projects that demand technical skill, creativity and sensitivity.
This philosophy found powerful expression in the new Head Office of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform (DALRRD) in Pretoria. Delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, the 90 000 m² development combined modern office facilities with the meticulous restoration of a historic heritage building on site. AECOM provided full Quantity Surveying (QS) services to the DRD Design and Construct Joint Venture, with work commencing in February 2021 and reaching completion in February 2023.
Balancing Preservation and Progress
The new campus includes a two-level super-basement, five four-storey office blocks, and a host of integrated infrastructure such as an auditorium, gym, backup power, advanced AV and VC systems, and carefully curated artworks. Yet at the heart of the project was the painstaking effort to conserve and restore a building that had suffered extensive neglect.
“When we first saw the heritage building, it was in a very poor condition, as fires had caused structural damage, large trees were growing inside, and people had even been living there,” recalls Estia Cronje, Cost Management Professional at AECOM. “We had to reinforce much of the structure, and nearly all the original woodwork and detail had to be reinstated. Some elements, like custom door handles, took six months to manufacture. With heritage projects, you never know if materials still exist or if anyone can replicate the craft. It takes three to four times longer than a conventional build, but the result speaks for itself.”
The restored building now sits proudly within landscaped grounds that evoke South Africa’s agricultural heritage. Its design links past and present, as the façade of the new structure symbolises the country’s provinces and mineral wealth, while the heritage building itself remains a testament to early 20th century architecture.
The project also embraced art and inclusivity. A nationwide competition led to the selection of nine artworks, each representing an aspect of South African culture. These pieces now form part of the site, ensuring the building is not just a workplace but also a celebration of national identity.
For many, the building also carries personal meaning. “One of my colleagues’ parents got engaged in the original building,” adds Estia. “Its history goes back more than a century, and it was important to make sure it remained recognisable after restoration.”
A Lasting Legacy
For AECOM, the project was about more than just technical achievement. It was about creating a lasting legacy. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime project,” says Michell Bezuidenhout, Director – PCC, Africa, EC South Africa. “The detail, cost, time, and stakeholder engagement involved were enormous. But more than that, it is about creating sustainable legacies, preserving the past while building for the future. This project gave younger professionals the chance to research the building’s history, work alongside specialist craftsmen and integrate heritage with modern requirements. That experience is invaluable.”
Both old and new elements were woven together with care. Restoring features such as gates, signage, and façades required extraordinary effort, but the end result stays true to the original. “The pride comes from knowing we played a role in preserving one of South Africa’s key heritage buildings,” says Michell.
The DALRRD Head Office is more than just a workplace. It is a masterclass in architectural storytelling, where design reflects the land, culture, and history of South Africa. It symbolises how sustainable development can respect heritage while meeting the needs of a modern government department. As the nation reflects on its heritage this September, AECOM reaffirms its commitment to designing for the future while honouring the past, a principle at the heart of its Sustainable Legacies approach.
