De Poort nears completion
2008-07-31
THE long awaited De Poort heritage village in Paarl South is nearing completion. The proposed date for the completion of the main building is the end of August. The steel framework for the mezzanine level has already been erected in the main building and the ramp, stairs, balustrades and flooring in the main building will soon follow thanks to the generous assistance of the Drakenstein Municipality. The second mezzanine level will house a seminar/training room where courses in handcrafts will be offered. Fencing of the site’s north side is now also in process which will enclose the outdoor refreshment area. On the south side the unique fencing will enclose the area where the public will be able to wait for cart rides and on the west side (Main Street side), the day stables for the horses have been completed. Francis Graves, the chairperson of the De Poort project said: “During construction many businesses and organisations have come forward with donations or partial donations such as the marble cobbles at the south entrance, the paving in the refreshment area, kitchen area and coffee shoppe. “The large arena area still needs pole fencing and any offers of help in acquiring these materials will be greatly appreciated. This is essential to protect horses and public during events.” The De Poort non-profit organisation is also anxious to hear from specialist crafters who may wish to practise their trade on the site or to market their quality products there. The emphasis is on hand-made, unique items, especially those linked to the theme of the age of horse-drawn transport where blacksmiths, wheelwrights, harness makers, leatherworkers and cart drivers were needed. On the mezzanine level, space will be made available for other crafts such as lace making and weaving. Heritage games will also be offered and valuable collections of vehicles which were owned by the municipality and some by the Paarl Museum will be accommodated at De Poort, as well as the Solomon carriage making machinery and tools. The contractors should be off site by September and then begins the work on the interior décor and display. De Poort will announce its launch once all of these aspects are completed.
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