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PROJECT

Detail of SUDS planter New Water Pear trees (Syzygium guineese) in High Street

Seating, tree planting and planted areas as SUDS SUDS planters define the street edge and soften the hardscape

The history of the street, written up by the Hermanus A street for pedestrians. (Photo: B. Southworth)
History Society on durable Corten steel plaques.

maximise space for gathering. The space seating walls that mark the location of markets and festivals to take place.
gained by eliminating parking means that the historic fishermens’ passage ways as
many historic buildings have become well as Corten steel markers embedded The transformation of High Street from
visible and connected to the street again, in the paving. There has been an effort to a car-centric, often flooded street to a
as well as making space for street living. enhance the character of the area through vibrant, resilient environment should be
The re-imagined street creates a slowed- locally sourced materials with low stone celebrated. Through the conversion of a
down atmosphere that is brought alive by walls introduced at key points. defunct conventional piped stormwater
local residents and businesses which have system to an improved hybrid system,
taken ownership of the space. Additionally, the project aims to tie the the stormwater problem has been solved
public spaces of Hermanus together, and an economically-rich environment
Communication and integration borrowing the material palette from which contains shared spaces for walking,
Communication with residents, NGOs and previous interventions in the CBD and increased biodiversity and shaded spaces
local businesses was held regularly during making use of concrete grey pavers, has been established.
the design process. The historical narratives signage, and similar street furniture.
of the street, collected and written up by Since the completion of the project there Information and photos supplied by Judy Bryant
the Hermanus History Society for example, have been a number of community-led on behalf of the Craft and Design Institute.
have been included in the upgrade and initiatives to further pedestrianise the High Photos by C. Blackburn unless otherwise
are highlighted through the use of stone Street on some weekends to allow street indicated. n

10 Landscape SA • Issue 122 2023