The Innes Chamber Online Presentation

Presentation by Arch. Brian McKechnie and Arch. Edward Brooks

Named after the appeal judge, Sir James Rose Innes, Innes Chambers is prominently positioned opposite the south Gauteng High Court on Pritchard Street, in the heat of the Johannesburg CBD. Originally the offices of the Johannesburg Bar Innes Chambers were purchased by the Department of Public Works in the early 2000’s, and earmarked for redevelopment as the Johannesburg offices of the National Prosecuting Authority.

The refurbishment of the building required the upgrading and replacement of all services and the insertion of a contemporary office accommodation program. From the outset, it was essential that the building meet current office accommodation and energy efficiency standards, without compromising the iconic aesthetic of the original design.

Designed in 1960, Innes Chambers was less than 60 years old, and not formally protected in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act yet recognized as a downtown landmark and a model example of 1960s modernist architecture. Every effort was made to retain and restore original heritage elements. No original plans could be located, so to gain a better understanding of the design, the Activate team met with Sydney Abramowich, the building’s original architect. Care was taken to restore the exterior of the building. Thousands of spalled mosaics were replaced, and even the original Innes Chambers signage was repaired and reinstated.