Mass meeting in Franschhoek
2009-02-19
Sieb Sieberhagen
A MEETING to protest development and the parking crisis in Franschhoek’s central business district was attended by about 250 residents last week. It is feared that a lack of urban planning could lead to uncontrolled development of the town. The meeting, which packed the town hall, was triggered by the proposed Franschhoek Square project (the proposed conversion of the current sites of the Huguenot Hotel and Standard Bank to a small shopping centre by developer Robert Maingard). The meeting was initiated by the Franschhoek West Neighbours Group, chaired by Dr Jim Lee, who pointed out that an estimated 1000 parking bays are needed in Franschhoek. Lee called for a substantial period to investigate the development with full public participation, considering the scale of the development (20 retail shops with some underground parking). “The erven being developed into retail over time are of major significance in terms of the aesthetic impact it will have on Franschhoek.” Residents argue that a full heritage assess ment is required regardless of whether two, or three, or four of these erven are developed either simultaneously or in stages. “We are absolutely not against development, but we do not want development that only empowers a few. There must be a better way forward for everyone. We want all the Franschhoekers to participate. There must be a proper way forward.” Remarked one resident: “Keep developers on a tight leash.” Several guest speakers gave their views on the situation, but Stellenbosch Municipality did not send a representative. Resident Desmond Raymer, developer and co-owner of the Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre in Tyger Valley, told residents that underground parking is non-negiotable. “If Stellenbosch Municipality’s parking ratio were equal to that of Cape Town, there would be a shortfall of 1270 parking bays in Franschhoek. “Parking will be a bigger issue in the future. Developers all have to put in basement parking,” he said. A remark by Raymer that Franschhoek needs a toll gate in the pass to stop the trucks passing through, was applauded by the residents. “In five years from now Franschhoek will be in for serious rush hour traffic. We need people to come together and to solve the problem. We have to wake up,” said Raymer. Neil Veitch, an author and historian who is currently writing a book on the architectural heritage of the Western Cape, spoke on the urgent need to preserve the urban herita- ge of Franschhoek. “Villages like Franschhoek gave us our national culture. It reminds us of our past and where everything came from. This is a place of rich cultural diversity. “We never ever earn cultural sites and it is our responsibility to hold this in trust for the future. The changes can be a wonderful challenge.” Maingard told residents that he did not get a lot of recognition for what he does in Franschhoek. “I do not do things without people knowing. I am not hiding behind anything. My developments are not ugly,” he said. Maingard has already redeveloped a number of properties in and around the town, including Le Franschhoek Hotel. He is also the owner of the Dieu Donné wine estate where an upmarket restaurant has opened and he has purchased the building housing the Pick n Pay store opposite the Huguenot Hotel. Maingard is also in the process of developing the La Cotte farm. He plans to develop a high quality 14 room bed-and-breakfast facility with a restaurant and a number of single residential erven. “Some residents are not happy, but we have to deliver a service to tourists visiting Franschhoek. Changes will happen. It is our responsibility that Franschhoek must look good.” Susan Huxter, chairperson of the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association, told residents that property values would drop if residents were not pro-active on how development will take place. “We have to get involved if we want to leave this jewel for the next generation. This is not a one day job. “We have to keep development under control. We have to keep the character of Franschhoek intact and respect our neigbours when we want to develop,” she said. Barry Martin, chairperson of the Franschhoek Ratepayers Association, told residents that a series of meetings would be held to handle the issues regarding urban planning in their village. A petition with 200 signatures was submitted to the Municipality this week under the banner of the Franschhoek Ratepayers Association, which will take the process further. Marx Mupariwa, director: planning and environment of the Stellenbosch Municipality, said this week that they had taken note that concerned residents’ views in respect of the proposed development. “I have instructed my staff to undertake full public participation on the building plans for the proposed development. “Council will in the interim not take a decision on the plans,” he said.
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