Green Point property owners rally against demolition of city's heritage

Green Point residents have slammed Heritage Western Cape for granting demolition permits in Fresnaye, De Waterkant, Vredehoek and other suburbs without consulting ratepayers.

"While we have no objection to development we strongly object to our heritage being destroyed. It not only impacts on our history, but also on tourism," said Mark Magielse, co- chair of the Green Point Ratepayers and Residents' Association.

Heritage Western Cape granted a demolition order in March. But the association appealed against the decision and in May Heritage Western Cape overturned the demolition order for the 121-year-old building in Romney Road.

Now the developer, Signatura, has lodged an appeal with the province's cultural affairs and sport department.

Said Magielse: "There has been a long process of attrition due to the demolition of a number of old buildings in Green Point and other areas of Cape Town that are cause for great concern. The cumulative impact of a series of these demolitions over time is having a detrimental impact on the character of the city, this suburb, and is irrevocably destroying its very soul."

He said the value of 8 Romney Road was that the building dated to the origins and early growth of Green Point.

The ministry had given notice of the appeal hearing on December 3, but the association was concerned that vital information about the initial appeal had not been included in the set of documents presented to the MEC.

"If these documents are not made available timeously to the members of the Ministerial Tribunal, the association's opposition to the appeal will be prejudiced."

Andrew Hall, chief executive of Heritage Western Cape, said it was under no obligation to consult with residents before making a decision. Registered conservation bodies, however, were kept informed of Heritage Western Cape's decisions and did have access to the minutes and other documents.

He said the law provided for a second appeal, and the owners of Romney Road and the developer were within their rights to appeal against the earlier decision.

The Victorian house, built in 1893, is still in good condition. Although there's been no confirmation of what will be built in its place, Signatura's property portfolio comprises mainly upmarket apartment complexes.

Source: Cape Argus