Housing in Southern Africa February 2016

Housing

and this is nowbeing refurbished as a clubhouse for residents. In July 1980, Heritage House was put to use as a rehabilitation centre by the Cham- ber of Mines and was then sold to be developed as an educational facility. Parts of the movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’ were filmed there in 2004. David Coutinho of Pam Golding Properties, Johannesburg East, says that the Modderfontein area is undergoing such rapid commercial and residential development that it is becoming an important new growth hubwithin the greater Johannesburg area. A massive R84 billion ‘New York of Africa’ development, which includes a financial hub, education centre, hospital and medical centre as well as sports stadium, has recently been mooted for the area. “Heritage Estate is not only situ- ated in a booming area, which augers well for the future of the residential

property market in the area, and is also centrally situated that it offers residents a high degree of conve- nience.” The development is strategically located on the main routes to OR Tambo International Airport, Johan- nesburg city centre, Sandton and Pretoria and has easy access to the Gautrain. In addition Greenstone Mall, which offers shopping and en- tertainment, is just minutes away.” The development of Heritage Estate is well underway, with the roll out of the ‘Firs’ consisting of 26 sim- plex units and two cottages that are heritage buildings. Residents will be able to take occupation by June 2016. Heritage House, the charming old sanatorium, is currently being refur- bished and renovated to its original condition, in accordance and under the guidance of the Provincial Heri- tage Resources Authority Gauteng. “The developers are committed

to restoring and refurbishing Heri- tage House and surrounding historic buildings to their original glory. Guid- ed by the Heritage Association, the architects have aimed to restore the character of Heritage Estate, while opening up the development to light and creating attractive living spaces for residents.” Government donated a nine hect- are piece of land close to the Mod- derfontein Dynamite Factory, and the Chamber of Mines erected the sanatorium. The Certificate of Incorporation was signed by the Colonial Secretary of the time of former South African Prime Minister, Jan Smuts. According to Coutinho, residents at the estate will be encouraged to plant indigenous plants that will fit in with the communal gardens, as well as with the heritage trees, the Wild Olives, and indigenous flowers and grasses existing on the property. ■

February 2016