Iconic 91-year-old building in South Africa gets multi-billion-rand restoration

·27 Apr 2025

The United Building in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, has been given a multi-billion-rand restoration by the Church of Scientology and is now open to the public.

The 10-storey building, erected in 1934, is situated on one of the city’s most prominent business sites.

The Florida-based church said its multi-million-rand investment ushered in a new era for the city by inviting investment, growing community pride, and helping rediscover the city’s historic heart.

Science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard created Scientology in the 1950s as an evolution from his earlier self-help system, Dianetics.

The church has seen strong growth over the last half-century and is well-known for its connections in the film industry. Well-known Scientologists include actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

The Gqeberha building anchored the city’s CBD for decades, and was home to Boland Bank, the Consumer Credit Bureau and the United Building Society, which became part of Absa.

However, by 2008, the building was in a state of neglect and disrepair. The church then acquired it in a deal worth millions. Guided by heritage specifications, the project revived the tower’s 1934 splendour.

The building’s original black granite was reinstated, while two dozen intricately carved lion-head medallions beneath exterior windows were refurbished.

The building’s interior was also improved, with the historic flooring complementing updated facilities. It now serves as the church’s Eastern Cape headquarters.

The restoration of the United Building also aligned with the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s vision to restore its commercial and cultural vitality.

The church’s investment created jobs for local artisans, stonecutters, and contractors and drew visitors, boosting nearby cafes, shops, and historical sites.

“The United Building’s revival is a beacon for Gqeberha’s future,” said Graham Taylor, Chairman of the Historical Society of Port Elizabeth.

“It shows how preserving our past can inspire a thriving present, uniting us to rebuild the CBD.”

Public members can visit the building on 12 Govan Mbeki Avenue, with doors opened to the community earlier this month. Free tours take place on all days of the week.

Scientology roots in South Africa

The lit up and revamped United Building in Gqeberha

Scientology has strong roots in South Africa. L. Ron Hubbard lived in Johannesburg in the early 1960s. His former house on Linksfield Ridge is now a museum open to the public.

During his stay in South Africa, Hubbard authored the “one man, one vote” constitution. A controversial move given that the nation was in the height of apartheid.

During his stay, he also introduced a bill of rights and a penal code for equality and justice and toured South African prisons.

He also developed introductory routes into Scientology organisations and established new types of organisations, centres, and City Offices, to accommodate fledgling Scientology groups.

Following Hubbard’s death in the 1980s, the church has expanded in South Africa, acquiring several significant buildings.

In addition to purchasing the United Building, the church acquired the Kyalami Castle in northern Johannesburg from Planet Hotels in 2008.

Unlike the United Building, the Kyalami Castle can no longer be freely visited and explored following the church’s takeover.

The castle’s lack of public accessibility is understandable, as it is one of the church’s six advanced organisations and serves as a spiritual retreat for Scientologists.

The Kyalami Castle has a state-of-the-art auditorium, restaurant, café, a swimming pool, and a braai-equipped gazebo.

There’s also an observation tower where visitors can see hilltop views that extend for miles.