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Thursday 6 May 2004 |
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This site will be updated on 13 May 2004 at 17:30 |
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Property - Eiendom |
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It's go for CBD project |
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Susan Botha |
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A UNIQUE public/private partnership has been formed to redevelop the central business district of Paarl.
The landmark agreement between Drakenstein Municipality and local landowners to redevelop and upgrade Lady Grey Street between Main Street and Verster Street was signed yesterday.
The plan includes the closure of a part of Lady Grey Street and New Street and redevelopment of the streets as well as surrounding squares such as Patriot Square and Van der Lingen Square, because of the urgency to retain anchor tenants in the area.
The purpose is to stimulate economic activity in the area and restore a sense of pride through improvements, redevelopment, cleanliness and the safety and security of the property owners and visitors to the area.
This will create employment and trade opportunities, reducing poverty in the town.
An Urban Renewal Steering Committee was created to oversee the process on behalf of the Municipal Council, with four municipal representatives and four representatives of property owners.
Representing Council are councillors Herman Bailey (mayor), Anthea Sheldon (deputy mayor), Arthob Petersen and André vd Spuy de Villiers.
Four representatives will be nominated by the property owners, who are advised by property developer Johan Pauw.
Council will appoint a project officer to liaise with the committee and carry out the duties and responsibilities for the contract on behalf of the Municipality.
The Committee shall be entitled to invite the national and provincial governments to appoint one representative each to serve as advisors in an ex officio capacity (without voting rights).
The Council shall arrange for the appointment of a public forum consisting of representatives from the community on behalf of non-governmental organisations and diverse interest groups.
"The CBD of Paarl is an invaluable component of the local economy of Drakenstein, providing jobs and services to a large part of the population," said Mayor Bailey.
"Council is therefore committed to making it a safe and clean place for our workers, business owners and shoppers.
"The redevelopment of the CBD would also make Paarl a major tourist attraction and a place where business would like to be located.
"By forming this partnership we believe we will be able to harness the energies and talents of both teams to help us meet our social and economic objectives.
"As the largest municipality in the Western Cape after Cape Town it is vital that we have a vibrant and prosperous Paarl.
"The partnership will start a unique process that could set a precedent for many other towns and cities in South Africa.
"We appeal to all residents of Paarl and indeed of Drakenstein to give this project all their support and co-operation when construction begins."
The project will be subject to National Treasury Regulations concerning public/private participation to ensure that it is viable.
Johan Pauw, CEO of the development company Paarl CBD Investments representing the property owners, estimates that the project could inject R200 million into the CBD during the first phase alone.
Pauw said the state of decay and ongoing deterioration of the Paarl CBD was indisputable.
"If the situation is left unchecked, it should be anticipated that there is a real threat that key anchor shops will relocate.
"This development plan forms part of a bigger holistic plan for the redevelopment potential in the Paarl/Wellington area on the table, as well as a plan for Lady Grey Street.
* On Tuesday morning 11 May at 07:00 Johan Pauw will address a meeting of the Paarl Sakekamer at Laborie Restaurant on the project. To book phone 872-6528 by tomorrow. |
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Packed meeting on Paarl Mall |
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Susan Botha |
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LOCAL entrepreneurs and retailers have been invited to register their interest in the Paarl shopping mall planned in Paarl South.
The shopping centre of R240 million is to be constructed on a 15 hectare site in Cecilia Street, which has been purchased from Tiger Foods (formerly the Langeberg factory).
In size, it will be similar to the first phase of the Somerset Mall. Pat Flanagan, one of the developers, . |
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emphasised that besides retail leasing, local entrepreneurs should also register for the construction phase.
Flanagan addressed a packed hall at a meeting of the Paarl Sakekamer last week, saying that more than 80% of the space in the mall had already been let. A leasing launch is planned for May or June.
Said Flanagan, "We don't want to impose on Paarl, but to work with the community."
"We will retain a long term investment in Paarl Mall and will also invest in the Central Business District development."
On the issue of the CBD, Flanagan said that the two projects would add value to each other.
The investors took transfer of the land for the Paarl Mall in January and work on the site has already commenced, with demolition of buildings in the way of the project.
Building should start in June, said Flanagan, with the first shopowners starting to move in by July next year. The official opening is scheduled for September 2005.
He expects the project to provide considerable employment opportunities during the construction as well as the operational phases.
The mall, in excess of 35 000 square metres, will have a top class tenant mix, consisting of key anchors, with local traders bringing balance.
"Our tenant mix will subscribe to the lifestyles of the demographic profile of the residents," said Flanagan.
Pick 'n Pay, Woolworths and Edgars have already signed their lease agreements,while retaining their shops in the Paarl CBD as well.
The centre will make provision for food, variety, comparative fashion and a lifestyle node and meeting place, while the exterior design of the building will be a mix of the traditional and modern.
"We are trying to blend the building into the surroundings. The building will have five architectural features on the outside to make it more consumer-friendly."
The interior will have 3600 square metres of shop fronts and the architects are concentrating on allowing in light.
"Even the roof, an inverted apex, will add natural light.
"We don't want to use steel, instead we are concentrating on the use of wood, marble and even a bit of your Paarl granite, which is unfortunately very expensive."
* Local entrepreneurs who wish to register with the project can obtain forms from Flanagan & Gerard at (011) 880-2213 or e-mail pflan@mweb. co.za |
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Boschendal could bring development worth R3,8 billion |
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THE full extent of the new owner's ambitious development plans for the 2 240ha Boschendal Estate has not, as yet, been grasped by the general public, says Clive Venning, CEO at Boschendal, and Graham Johnson, now MD of the Boschendal Property Development Company.
Anglo American sold the property to a consortium for R323 million last year. Nedbank Corporate will help fund the purchase and the development work.
"The leader of the new consortium, Clive Venning, and his team propose a development programme that could run for ten years and that could result in R2 billion worth of land sales and in a staggering R3,8 billion in total property development.
"It is likely, also, to promote substantial employment within the area. Boschendal, in short, is set to become the premier upmarket residential precinct of the Western Cape."
The first phase of the new owner's plan involves bringing 20 Founder's Estates of about 20 hectares each to the market from between R15 and 25 million. These are being developed on the 917ha of the Boschendal section of which the new owners have already taken transfer (Rhone and Good Hope).
The Founder's Estate owners will be able to use this cottage as a guest house and club premises. They will too be entitled to receive a quota of the wines produced and to have their bottles labelled with their names.
Phase 2 of the new owners' plan involves taking over the remaining 1,337ha. This will be done once planning permission has been received which could take another 18 to 24 months - but it is on this section that large-scale residential development will take place.
The new owners will be developing a 300 unit retirement village and some 400 farmyard style villages on the footprints of 30 existing farm villages which will in most cases be demolished, but some will be renovated.
In essence, says Johnson, this means that Boschendal will be a premium, low density development which blends and complements the surroundings, has a very low impact on the landscape and is sensitive to the environment and local community.
A unique feature of the take-over is the preservation of the "integrity" of the farming operation. The entire agricultural unit continues to be managed and farmed by Boschendal and this is entrenched through a notarial lease on the land.
The plots will vary in size from 1 250 sq/m to 10 000 sq/m and will be selling between R2 and R8 million. The homes built on them, says Johnson, will in all probability cost as much or more, giving an average value for the plot and homes around here of around R4 to R5 million.
"I predict that these farmyard village homes will become some of the most sought after in the entire Western Cape," said Venning.
The properties are marketed by Pam Golding Franschhoek. |
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Nicklaus plans second course at bigger Pearl Valley |
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THE Pearl Valley Golf Course, the Western Cape's first 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, was officially opened on Monday with an exhibition match between golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, and South Africa's black knight Gary Player.
The day's event started off on an even higher note when Nicklaus announced that negotiations to build another golf course at Pearl Valley had been successful.
The contract signing between Nicklaus and the Malaysian investor, Dr T Lim, took place at the scheduled press conference.
Although details concerning the new course are still sketchy, Nicklaus confirmed that it will be a "Bear's Best" golf course.
"A Bear's Best course consists of 18 of the best holes of all the courses that I've designed across the world.
"Golfers will therefore for instance recognise a certain hole as the 18th of Muirfield or as the 5th hole at Castle Pines.
It will be the pick of very good golf holes and something not seen before in South Africa," the golfing great said after the announcement.
"We are very happy that Mr Nicklaus can come up with something even better than Pearl Valley," Dr Lim said.
"Not better, just as good," Nicklaus quickly added jokingly.
Regarding his involvement with Pearl Valley, Nicklaus said "it feels good leaving a legacy to the sport of golf in SA" and added that the security that golf estates offer residents also plays a big role in the growing number of such estates world wide.
SA's own golfing legend, Gary Player, was adamant that courses such as Pearl Valley and the Links at Fancourt where the upcoming President's Cup Tournament is being held, will play a huge role in the country's tourism industry.
"Nick's golf courses are always in good condition and will add greatly to tourism."
The friendly match offered a glimpse of the American and International team captains for the 2003 President's Cup, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player respectively, and might be the last match played between these two golfing icons.
"Designing a golf course is my total expression. My golf game can only go on so long. But what I have learnt can be put into a piece of ground, and that will last beyond me," says Nicklaus, who has undoubtedly been the most dominant player of the 20th century with 71 official PGA victories that contribute to his total count of 100 victories achieved around the world.
Nicklaus's mark on the 20th century was his golf game but his legacy continues in the 21st century with his golf course design that has established him as one of the world's premier golf course designers.
The Nicklaus signature course at Pearl Valley has already been hailed as "fit to rival the best in the world" by golfing critics and showcases Nicklaus's attention to detail and unmistakable design elegance.
The "Signature" appellation means that Nicklaus was personally involved in the design and construction of the course from inception and undertook regular visits to the site.
Amateur golfers need not be intimidated by Pearl Valley's championship credentials as each hole has been designed to offer everyday enjoyment for members whilst effortlessly rising to the challenge of major international championships through speeding up the greens, bringing the back tees into play and narrowing of the fairways.
All par-3's and par-5's play in different directions ensuring that the same conditions are not experienced too many times in one round. |
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New Paarl golf clubhouse opens |
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THE new clubhouse at Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate, home of the Paarl Golf Club, has been completed just in time for the SA Amateur Open from 29 February to 5 March.
Located on the site of the old clubhouse, the R15 million project comprises of a 4 500 square metre two-storey building, which rates as one of the most stylish and modern golfing facilities in the Western Cape.
It offers majestic views of the surrounding mountains and the David Frost signature golf course, the only 27-hole course in the province.
State-of-the-art golf facilities include a members' bar, pro-shop, lockers and shower facilities, a caddies' centre and underground parking for golf carts.
It also boasts a modern Halfway-House, a ladies' bar, a spacious verandah and conference facilities for up to 300 guests.
Also planned are a heated swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as a games room for children, for the use of estate residents.
The Paarl Golf Club was first established in 1908 and ranks as one of the oldest golf clubs in the Western Cape.
The new clubhouse was built in the same Cape vernacular architectural style as the Boschenmeer residential estate.
To celebrate its proud heritage, the stylish interior design of the new clubhouse sports an "old club" atmosphere, and features historic photographs taken over almost one hundred years. Course The challenging 27 hole David Frost golf course has been upgraded to world-class standards. The course consists of the "River Nine" (holes 1 to 9), the "Paarl Nine" (holes 10 to 18), and the "Boschenmeer Nine" (holes 19 to 27).
In 2002 readers of Golf Today magazine voted the fourth hole of the Boschenmeer Nine (hole 22) as the best fourth hole in South Africa.
Boschenmeer rates as one of the most successful property developments in the Cape Winelands.
The current phases are almost completely sold out and approximately half of the 300 homes have been built.
Completed homes are selling from R1,75m to R3,5m, with large executive homes selling in excess of R5m in this security estate.
A total of 62 townhouses are currently under construction at the estate for completion before winter..
The estate also offers five-star self-catering Estate Lodge accommodation that features a selection of two- and four bedroom lodges with patios and braai areas, and some with private pools and jacuzzis. |
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Exclusive erven in demand |
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NEARLY half the 27 prime properties which will form the residential node of the Winelands Estate, have been sold by Original Developments (Odev).
The residential properties range in size between 4000 square metres and 1,1 hectare, each with its own income producing vineyard or olive groves, and some with their own water features, to offer a unique, hassle-free "farm" lifestyle.
Sold on a plot-and-plan basis, it is the only working wine estate in the country to offer freehold one-hectare residential property. The plots are available from the developers from R1,1 million.
The developers have an in-house professional team on site. Construction of the first homes will commence in February, with all building expected to be completed in December 2004.
The private residential node forms part of phase two of the greater 190-hectare security estate, which has been hailed as the "Cape's best kept secret".
The estate is situated in the prestigious Paarl-Franchhoek valley, which has experienced tremendous growth in property value since the area has become the Cape's "golfing mecca".
The Winelands Estate is in close proximity to some of the province's top signature golf courses, with the only 27-hole golf course a couple of minutes away.
The opening of the estate's five-star Winelands Hotel and Wellness Centre takes place next month.
The Hotel will be managed and operated by Southern Sun Hotels and will be included in the exclusive Southern Sun Collection portfolio. The 2000 square metre state-of-the-art Santé Wellness Centre will also open in September.
Residents will have access to all estate facilities, including those offered by the Hotel. They will also enjoy membership to the state-of-the-art Wellness Centre with its indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room and jacuzzis, and residents will qualify for specialised treatments and therapies at discounted rates.
Other recreational activities at the disposal of residents will include an eight kilometre jogging/walking and biking trail around the estate, as well as horse riding.
The development features 25 hectares of lakes that will offer excellent fishing and bird watching. This is a direct result of the environmentally sensitive manner in which the developers rehabilitated the area.
The site used to house the former Corobrick factory, and the developers have converted the old quarries into water features in an effort to restore the natural beauty of the environment.
Phase two of the development will furthermore include a unique, upmarket farm stall adjacent to the residential node, on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek.
Here both residents and the public will enjoy facilities that will include a gallery, indoor theatre and restaurant, bistro, bakery and cheesery, as well as a wine shop and an olive press which will sell the estate's produce.
And like its famous "neighbours" - the wine estates of Backsberg, Glen Carlou, Vrede & Lust, R&R Fredericksburg - this unique leisure and lifestyle node is set to become one of the tourist "must-visit" hot spots.
The residential estate will have its own controlled access gate and will feature excellent security and patrols on horseback.
Set against an exquisite landscape with breathtaking views of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek mountains, the residential node, like the Hotel and Wellness Centre, will embrace a strong Bergan architectural style that will be further enhanced by the estate vineyards, olive groves and proximate lavender and herb gardens.
Each home will be individually designed within the flexible architectural and landscaping guidelines to suit the specific needs of the individual buyer, which will encompass exterior finishes in natural, earthy tones; classic Empoli roof tiles; and wooden windows and doors.
These design elements, as well as the high ceilings and thick walls, colours and textures, will produce a scale and discipline that will hold together the vision to give birth to a unique ambience, and a luxury country lifestyle which will optimise the sense of "big sky" and rural openness.
The estate's income producing vineyards and olive groves will be managed by the residents' Farming Association, and wine can be sold on behalf of the owners who will furthermore have the option to purchase shares in the Estate Winery. Construction of the estate's 500 tonne wine cellar will commence in February.
A renowned wine maker will be appointed and property owners will receive a quota of wine with personalised wine labels made available to them.
The Farming Association will also be responsible for the maintenance of the estate landscaping, as well as individual gardens and swimming pools.
The estate has been allocated a water quota from the nearby Berg River, which is recycled throughout the estate by means of a technologically advanced irrigation system.
"Discerning buyers are demanding low density, bigger plots and greater individual space. Although they often do not welcome golfing traffic within their own residential estate, nor appreciate the high maintenance cost of golf estates, they wish to be within close proximity of golf courses and well-established infrastructure such as schools, shopping centres and medical services. |
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Property Index |
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PROPERTY AGENTS
Aida 872-2161 - www.aida.co.za Alpha 872-4815 @ home.properties 872-1997 Boland Landmark 871-1020 - www.bolandlandmark.co.za Boland Real Estate 863-2046 Caprop Homenet 872-1487 or www.homenet.co.za Duvenage & de Villiers 873-3140 or duvenage@intekom.co.za Era Steer 871-1240 Erica Schell 864-2037 Germacor 873-2269 Joss Eiendomme 872-2007/9 - www.joss.co.za MBC Estaes 873-6363 - mbcestates@wol.co.za Newdor 862-5896 - newdor@absamail.co.za Nr 1 Properties 872-1140 Private Seller 872-8600 Pam Golding 871-1480 or www.pamgolding.co.za Protea Estates 872-6611 or protea-paarl@new.co.za Remax 863-2046 - www.remax.co.za Samuel Benans 083-261-9011 Tony Ward 872-8004 Western Properties 872-0899 |
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