|
Welcome to the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust
The few remaining mansions of the Randlords built at the turn of the century are monuments to the colourful history of Johannesburg.
Parktown and Westcliff are two of the oldest suburbs of Johannesburg and home to the mining magnates from 1892 till today. The concentration of power and money, combined with the exuberant and extravagant taste of these pioneers, is reflected in the homes they built on the prominent ridges which lie north of the city centre.
The Trust organises tours of the houses and gardens since most are not accessible to the public.
In recent years the Trust has expanded its historical tours to include other parts of this City of Gold and of Struggle.
Whats New....
PROGRAMME
HERITAGE TODAY! - A programme for all those who care about out old buildings. They can now listen to the podcasts by clicking on the icon.
Tuesday mornings at 10h45 Stay tuned.
1st Quarter Programme Jan to Mar 2011 - click to download word document else view it on-line under the quarterly programmes section. Click to view the Newsletter.
PLEASE NOTE:
‘Please note that the Mountain View – Ridge Road tour which was abandoned on Saturday, 28th January due to very heavy rain will now be completed on SUNDAY, 12th FEBRUARY at 2.00 pm - parking in Ridge Road as before. This tour is available ONLY to those people who booked and paid either through Computicket or Eira Bond at the Parktown & Westcliff Heritage Trust office or Val Hammerton who recorded the names on the day. If you intend taking up your place please advise Eira on 011 482-3349 or e-mail mail@parktownheritage.co.za‘
EXCELLENT NEWS!
At last Eikenlaan, Mike’s Kitchen, has finally been declared a Provincial Heritage Site – it’s safe now.
!2 Seymour Avenue – the big house designed by Kallenbach and Kennedy in 1912- has also been declared.
The cottages in Erin Road, Doornfontein, overlooking Ellis Park have been declared at our request.
Berea Fire Station which is generally a favourite.
Kirchoff’s little building in town.
Beacon Royal in Yeoville –a beacon of hope and very attractive Art Deco block of flats seen from Louis Botha Avenue This was also one of our nominations.
St Aubyn’s 60 Westcliff Drive which many people knew as the Missak Museum and which was bought by Ingrid Staude Griessel and restored by the architect Kate Otten has at long last been declared a Provincial Heritage Site
RISSIK STREET POST OFFICE Restoration watch
Rissik Street Post Office Restoration Watch Tuesday 21st February
No activity on site and the Post Office still looks very sad with no roof to the clocktower – some insane expert’s idea that these walls won’t crumble in the hard rains and that the gaping space left by the stolen clock will miraculously stop the downpour. JPC and the insurance company believe in miracles.
A happier note is the information from Nikki Brink about security:
In regards to the security at Rissik Street Post Office, the JPC appointed a security company to guard the premises. There are four guards on site day and night together with a dog and they patrol each façade of the building. The JPC is trying to ensure that no further damage is caused to the premises. The company given the task of looking after the Post Office is Ndingiliza Security.
I didn’t catch sight of them when I went past on Saturday nor again on Sunday. We went past very slowly in a bus so I trust Nikki is making checks on the patrols and docking pay if anyone is missing.
Any listener who does see them please let us know. We have heard before that someone is guarding the RSPO but then it seems no one actually checked up.
In regards to the tender process, the JPC are setting a date to evaluate the bid that was received.
Flo BIrd
Flo.bird@parktownheritage.co.za
Read all about it on our Heritage page - click here to switch to heritage page
Heritage News
Click here to read all about it!
Click here to view our Westcliff page
PLEASE PROTECT OUR JACARANDA HERITAGE FROM THE ANTS
Click here to enter the link to our Johannesburg Heritage site or type in www.joburgheritage.co.za
IS YOUR HOUSE CONSERVATION-WORTHY?
Two lists of heritage buildings have been submitted to the City of Johannesburg by the trust. These are arranged by suburb and then by Street. To check whether your house is on the list go to :
NB The Categories are simply the Trust’s evaluation, not an official status at all. And a few are newer buildings, less than 60 years old.
AA Very important aesthetically, historically, lovely gardens and in good condition
A Very important historically and/ or architecturally
B A fine building, often lovely garden setting, less significant historically OR a very important property not in good condition or altered unsympathetically
C A good building of its time, possibly altered or extended but still significant to the street and the context.
FEEDBACK PLEASE !
CHANGING OR DEMOLISHING OLD BUILDINGS
For the information of our members and anyone interested in heritage buildings we include the form which has to be completed by anyone wanting to alter or demolish structures which are more than 60 years old.
NB: All structures over 60 years old are automatically protected by the national heritage Resources Act and a permit is required from the PROVINCIAL HERITAGE RESOURCES AUTHORITY before these can be altered or demolished or additions made.
Set up to retain the historic architectural heritage of Parktown and Westcliff, the Trust tries to make this heritage accessible through tours of the buildings and the area, publications and special programmes for school children.
It is a fund-raising organisation and donations are most welcome.
Contact Details
 |
+27-11-482-3349 weekdays between 09:00 and 13:00 (GMT+2) or use that number to leave a message or send a fax to (011) 482 7807 . |
|---|---|
 |
Northwards 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193; |
 |
|
|
School Tours:- education@parktownheritage.co.za |
 |
Visit our office at the same address, weekdays between 09.00–13.00 |
Last Edit : 22/02/2012