Inospace acquires iconic Telkom building on Cape Town's Foreshore

We are excited to announce that Inospace has acquired the historic Telkom building at 15 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, strategically expanding in a strategic move to expand our urban logistics and last-mile delivery network into the heart of the central business district.

This high-profile building, which has been a fixture on the Cape Town Foreshore since the early 1970s, is set to be transformed into one of our flagship logistics and business storage hubs.

A landmark building with a rich history

Built in the early 1970s on reclaimed land in the Foreshore district, the building initially served as a central telephone exchange for the South African Post and Telecommunications (SAPT), which managed postal and telecommunications services under one umbrella. This iconic structure stood alone in the area for years, surrounded only by parking lots and the nearby Imperial Cold Storage facility. It also housed the Roggebaai Post Office, making it a central hub for postal and telephonic communication services.

In 1991 SAPT separated into two entities, creating Telkom to focus on telecommunications services and leaving postal operations under the newly formed SAPO. By 2004, the post office had been relocated, and the building had been renovated to function solely as a telephone data centre for Telkom. Over the years, Telkom invested more than R200 million into the building to suit its specialised needs. However, as telecommunications technology evolved and needs shifted, the building eventually became redundant and was put up for sale.

A piece of brutalist history

The building is a prime example of Brutalist architecture, a style that emerged in the mid-20th century and is known for its bold, geometric shapes, the use of raw concrete, and its emphasis on function over form. Brutalist buildings often evoke strong reactions, and 15 Lower Long Street is no exception.

Recently, there has been an interesting debate on social media channels about whether the building should be preserved as a historical landmark. While some urban developers and architects argue for its preservation due to its architectural significance, others see the redevelopment as an opportunity to modernise the space in line with Cape Town'’s evolving urban landscape.

With their imposing facades and strong structural elements, Brutalist buildings have faced pushback from modern urban developers, who often prefer sleeker, more contemporary designs. However, there is also a growing movement advocating for the preservation of these historically significant structures, as they offer a glimpse into a unique architectural period that valued functionality and boldness. At Inospace, we recognise the value of Cape Town'’s architectural heritage, and we are excited to merge the building’s historical identity with its future as a modern logistics hub.

Transforming into an urban logistics hub

The building spans nine levels, including underground parking, retail, and office spaces on the lower floors and five floors with 6-meter-high floor plates—perfect for business storage or urban logistics. The top floor offers premium office space with stunning views of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront, adding an element of prestige to this dynamic building.

This property's incredible load-bearing capacity and power availability make it exceptional. With 2 500 KVA of power and state-of-the-art generators (valued at over R25 million), the building is fully equipped to meet high-energy demands, making it ideal for conversion into a logistics hub. Its robust design, specialised concrete cladding, and GB6 zoning allow for flexibility in its future use for logistics, storage, retail, or commercial projects.

This property presents an unparalleled opportunity for revitalisation. Inospace is set to invest significantly in upgrading and repurposing the building to suit the city’s growing demand for storage and urban logistics solutions. The 13 500 square metres of space will be offered at a highly competitive cost compared to other B-grade industrial buildings, delivering unmatched value for businesses seeking to establish a presence in Cape Town’s CBD.

With its strategic location, the site will offer premium storage and urban logistics solutions, meeting the needs of both businesses and individuals. Bordered by four streets and directly opposite the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the building boasts high visibility and excellent connectivity to major transport routes, ensuring swift access to last-mile delivery services.

As we begin redesigning and repurposing this landmark building, we are excited to contribute to Cape Town's dynamic urban landscape and offer a facility that meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and adaptability. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

Inospace acquires Cape Town's historic Telkom building, transforming it into a flagship urban logistics and storage hub, blending its architectural heritage with modern functionality.