Latest news with #HeritageWesternCape
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Stumbling block in Oude Molen plans
Tenants of Oude Molen Eco Village were given a boost when Heritage Western Cape (HWC) turned down a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) application by the provincial government which has proposed a mixed-used development on the site. Last Wednesday May 14, HWC made a decision that the HIA application by the provincial government did not meet the provisions of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA). Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HWC, Dr Michael Janse van Rensburg laid down some of the motivations for turning down the provincial government. According to HWC, the intangible heritage/living heritage has not been sufficiently investigated; there is insufficient information regarding the significance of the site in relation to the broader Two Rivers Urban Park (TRUP) heritage area; more detailed information is required pertaining to the massing of proposed buildings in order to make an accurate assessment of the impact on heritage resources. 'A revised HIA is to be submitted by the provincial government to HWC for further consideration,' says Dr Janse van Rensburg.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
WC government told to go back to drawing board over its plans for Oude Molen Village
The Oude Molen Eco Village has picturesque mountain views. Image: Wesley Ford THE provincial government says the future of the Oude Molen property remains in its control despite Heritage Western Cape's (HWC) decision to reject the Department of Infrastructure's proposed plans for the area. HWC recently found that the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) did not fully meet the requirements outlined in Section 38(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). The Department of Infrastructure's plans for the site included a mixed use and mixed income housing development. The Oude Molen Precinct forms part of the broader Two Rivers landscape, an area of significant tangible and intangible heritage value to the people of the Western Cape, HWC said. Interested parties last year expressed concern over what they said could be another 'tick box exercise' as the public were given a chance to comment on proposed development plans for the Oude Molen Precinct (OMP). Currently, Oude Molen houses several organisations, small businesses, two schools, the Goringhaicona Kraal and stables, among others, in green natural surroundings. Following the move by the heritage protection body, the community lauded the decision amid ongoing tensions about the land's future. 'HWC turned down the HIA and this is an important step towards greater transparency, participation and meaningful consultation regarding this controversial project. This decision is a significantly positive outcome welcomed by the community of Oude Molen Eco Village and to all interested and affected parties that have lodged their objections and comments so far in this ongoing process. The Oude Molen Eco Village community joins hands with its allied organisations, groups, individuals and traditional bodies in applauding this decision. 'As a diverse community of interested and affected parties, we are respectful of HWC's role as a statutory heritage body that holds a responsibility and mandate to protect the intangible and tangible heritage resources within the Two Rivers Urban Park and in such resources on the Western Cape. "HWC has asserted its commitment to preserving a precinct that has been nationally recognised as a historical epicentre of liberation and resistance that holds cultural, environmental and ecological significance to South Africa and beyond. Western Cape Heritage committee members personally visited the Oude Molen Eco Village and commented about their positive experience of the natural peaceful environment,' Oude Molen Eco Village exco members said in a statement. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The HWC said its decision was not final. 'The development team has been requested to undertake further refinements to the assessment. HWC remains committed to a thorough and transparent review process that respects and protects this heritage. A final decision will be made once a revised HIA that meets HWC's requirements is submitted and reviewed,' said HWC chief executive, Michael Janse van Rensburg. The provincial infrastructure department meanwhile maintained they would forge ahead with their plans, as the custodians of the land. 'The Department of Infrastructure intends to respond to HWC to clarify certain matters that arose during the discussion at the HWC; and to prepare an addendum to the HIA to address the technical issues highlighted by the HWC,' said department spokesperson, Melt Botes. He said the Department of Infrastructure remains the custodian of this property and landlord to the tenants. 'Any future plans for this property have always been premised on the DoI and the Western Cape Government's commitment to ensure that the property reaches its highest and best potential in serving the wider communities of the Western Cape, while facilitating an integrated development that provides a residentially led mixed use development inclusive of affordable housing (including social housing) with access to job opportunities, education and natural and heritage resources to all; not just a select few,' he added. Cape Times
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Athlone Power Station's redevelopment hits roadblock
Cape Town's ambitious plans to transform the long-defunct Athlone Power Station into a flagship green energy hub are facing a major setback, as a provisional heritage protection order placed on the site by Heritage Western Cape (HWC) threatens to stall the development indefinitely. The City of Cape Town, which has been exploring the redevelopment of the site since the iconic cooling towers were demolished in 2010, now finds itself entangled in a legal and bureaucratic dispute that pits sustainable development goals against historical preservation. The provisional protection order, issued in 2022, covers not just the old power station structure but also adjacent land including a wastewater treatment plant, a refuse transfer station, and even a section of the N2 highway. According to HWC, the entire precinct holds cultural and historical significance and must be preserved or carefully assessed before any new development is allowed. In a bid to move the project forward, the City has filed a case in the Western Cape High Court, challenging the legitimacy of the heritage order. Officials argue that while some components of the site may hold historical value, the blanket protection of the entire area is excessive and counterproductive. Environmental protection measures The City, meanwhile, reports efforts to secure the site, limit environmental harm, restore structural integrity, and undertake a comprehensive environmental clean-up. "The City has done a considerable amount of work to secure the site and ensure that there's minimal environmental impact. To further secure the site, the city intends to remove and restore the structural integrity of some of the structures in addition to conducting an environmental clean-up," City Mayco member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said. For residents of Athlone and surrounding areas, the debate feels personal, with some having advocated back in January 2024 for the site to be used for housing instead. Heritage Western Cape, however, is standing its ground. Although its spokespersons are unable to comment directly due to the matter being sub judice, HWC has previously stated that the Athlone precinct represents an important piece of the city's industrial and social history. The power station, operational from the 1960s until its decommissioning in 2003, was central to Cape Town's electricity supply for decades and is viewed by heritage advocates as a landmark worth preserving—at least in part. The City of Cape Town continues to make it clear that it will not abandon its renewable energy ambitions and insists that it remains committed to working within legal frameworks. However, unless the heritage protection order is overturned or amended, the future of the Athlone redevelopment hangs in the balance. As South Africa continues to grapple with energy insecurity, the stakes are high. The Athlone power station's transformation could become a beacon of green innovation—or a cautionary tale about red tape in the face of climate urgency. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
