The battle to maintain Paarl's heritage
2010-07-01
Lise Beyers
THE name Len Raymond has become synonymous with the preservation of Paarl’s rich architectural heritage. He is probably one of the most loved (and hated) people in the area - his insistence on conservation of heritage buildings often thwarting developers proposing demolition to make way for modern development. But thanks to him, such developers have often been stopped in their tracks, and in doing so, many a historic building has been saved from destruction. For Raymond’s perseverance in promoting heritage conservation, he recently received a Western Cape ministerial award for his contribution to the built environment and cultural landscape of the Western Cape, from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. “But,” says Raymond, “this accolade must go to all Paarlites who through the years have also become involved in the fight to maintain the town’s architectural heritage.” Raymond’s passion for heritage began when he and his wife, Cathy, moved to the valley in the mid-1970’s. He was an accountant who had previously had no knowledge of historical conservation. After having bought one of the oldest houses in Mill Street, the Raymonds began to research the origins of the area and became deeply interested in the historical heritage of Paarl. This led them to launch the local branch of the Simon van der Stel Foundation (now known as the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation). Raymond eventually left his corporate career to dedicate himself to the restoration of buildings. In the process he has become an acknow-ledged expert on Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as early Cape furniture and antiques in general. Today he is chairperson of Heritage South Africa and serves on the Built Environment & Landscape Committee of Heritage Western Cape which oversees development in the province. He is also a member of the Paarl Aesthetics Committee. “In those days Paarl’s Main Street was under threat of being widened and this would have meant many historical houses would have been demolished to make way. “We and many other residents became involved in the fight against this plan and eventually succeeded. “Paarl is a gem. It is probably the finest historical centre in South Africa and its preservation is of national importance.” Nevertheless many members of the public and developers turn a blind eye to the architectural beauty of Paarl. “Paarl farms, especially, are in danger. Many people want to develop land on Paarl Mountain, despite the fact that the independent Paarl Mountain Study which was done years ago, restricts such developments. “Unfortunately the municipality often does not toe the line, and some developments slip through. Some houses of historical value have also been demolished. “But that is exactly what we are here for. Perhaps we do not always succeed, but we try our level best.” Days upon days are spent just going through development proposals with a fine tooth-comb. Raymond and the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation’s latest battle is to see that the Chevé homestead, located on the sports fields in Mill Street, is restored to its former glory. This is one of the oldest existing buildings in Paarl, predating the neighbouring Bethel building of 1874. The farm Chevé was deducted from Bethel (one of the original land grants in Paarl) in 1814, but records indicate that the house was already standing by 1752. For nearly 20 years the DHF and Gymnasium Primary have been involved in negotiations about this matter. In 1980, when the widening of Mill Street was first proposed, the provincial government handed Chevé House over to the DHF, on condition that the house be restored to its previous glory. The DHF in turn donated the valuable property to the school, with this same stipulation. Should the building not be fully restored, the property will have to be returned to them. Chevé House is currently being utilised as an after-care centre for the school and has yet not been restored. “But after much lengthy negotiation, we have come to an agreement with Gymnasium that the historic building will be restored. Hopefully the project will start before the end of the year, depending on sufficient funding being obtained.” This is just one example of the lengths that Raymond and other concerned heritage advocates go to retain the aesthetic value of Drakenstein. Without such people, Paarl would long ago have lost its aesthetic and historic character. And their work continues to maintain this heritage. “We do this for the love of the cause and to retain the magnificent heritage we have inherited.”
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