Heritage bodies concerned about Waterfront project
2008-12-11
THE Drakenstein Heritage Foundation and the Paarl 300 Foundation have both expressed their concern about the impact of the proposed hotel and soccer fan park development proposed at the Parys Cricket Grounds for 2010. According to Dr Elzette Albertyn, the Paarl 300 Foundation considers the site an important green recreational area in the Paarl cultural landscape, especially as it is located on the bank of the Berg River. No reference to the river is made in the heritage study undertaken to date, which has commented that the development would be “low impact”. “This view can in no way be supported.” “The evaluation of the terrain and its context should be researched and evaluated more thoroughly,” says Albertyn. “The scale, mass and architectural style are not suitable for this terrain.” According to Pat Hart of the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation, there is major concern about the location of the development within the 50 year flood line. “This means that all floor levels must be above the flood level, considerably raising the project and increasing its impact on the landscape. “Generally there is much too little parking, and the large number of big trees on the site which will be lost, have not been taken into account.” * Concern has been expressed that the mixed use development of the Boschendal wine estate for residential and other purposes could cost the area the chance of being considered a World Heritage Site. At a recent workshop to identify the core heritage areas in the Cape Winelands, Unesco’s Special Advisor for World Heritage, Bernd van Droste zu Hü, said Boschendal would not be considered for proclamation as world heritage site if the proposed development of the farm goes ahead. Comments on the final scoping report for the proposed development of the farm has been released and comments will be received until 12 December. The development of the second phase at Boschendal is to include 1000 residential erven, a retirement centre, a hotel, a frail care centre and clubhouse. Agricultural activities will continue. A full Heritage Impact Assessment will be done as part of the EIA process undertaken by Total Impact Assessments (see www.total impact.co.za).
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