THE community on Currie Road has been witnessing one of the city’s heritage sites gradually losing its shape, resulting in eyesores as they watch the dilapidation in real time.

Although the multi-building property has been locked, roofs and window frames have been removed, and residents fear the looming acts of illegal dumping, as bushes increasingly cover the area.

One resident who has been in the area for more than 14 years recalls that the situation has been like this since they arrived. “The overgrown bushes around the property render it a dumping spot. The walkways beside it are covered with overgrown bush, making it impossible for users to access it.”

He admits that, unlike in other areas, the 100-year-old property has not been invaded by the homeless, at least after it was locked. “The property needs a clean-up, proper lighting, and tight security. At one time, it was proposed that the walkways be closed, as this also prompts robberies and scavenging,” the resident said.

In 2021 Berea Mail reported, “On a recent visit residents stated that although the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had taken over management of the property in August 2018, with the intention to use the property to house the eThekwini District Office from this site, the grounds were still in the same ‘unhygienic and disgusting state,’ home to rodents and vagrants and a health hazard to tax-paying citizens.”

The site was reportedly visited by the Department’s project team in December 2020 to assess the way forward with the property. A follow-up inspection was done later on by a private architect, engineer and contractor to obtain a second opinion on the fate of the structures on the property.

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Both visits resulted in a recommendation to demolish and reconstruct all buildings within the property, upon consultation with heritage authority AMAFA.
In April 2023, an architectural agency was tasked by the Department to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment of the structure and proposed restoration and development.

According to the results of the report, “The assessment of the structures was difficult due to the state of the site and the instability of much of the remaining structures. The client has been advised that a full clearance and investigation of the structures be done in order to accurately assess the usability of the structures.”

One block on site, as stated in the report, can be restored and reused. Another is “badly damaged and dismantled to such an extent that it is not conducive to restoration. Its planning is not suitable for modern administrative planning and the roof design will create further problems for the maintenance of the structure. It can be demolished to make space for new buildings or vehicular access”.

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The other two blocks, “are utilitarian buildings and have no heritage significance and can be demolished to make space for new buildings. The timber structure has lost all structural integrity and has no architectural value”.

Musgrave Ratepayers Association (MRPA) said it is sad to see so many historic buildings lost due to neglect and deterioration.
MRPA spokesperson Bronwyn Carrick stated, “Before the site fell into disrepair, it was hardly visible from the street because of its elevated position and the surrounding greenery. Surely that, in its day, it was a solid and functional building with real character.

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“That particular property has always been somewhat isolated, largely hidden by its natural surroundings, so it never directly impacted the streetscape. However, the broader issue on the Berea and in Musgrave is the inconsistency — there’s a real mix of well-maintained, beautiful homes alongside neglected, abandoned properties and poorly planned developments. In some cases, there are even incomplete builds where projects have stalled. All of this inevitably affects property values and the overall character of the area.”

She concluded, “Given that this property does not currently encroach on neighbouring properties or obstruct views, it would be wonderful to see the existing structure retained and sensitively refurbished where possible, rather than demolished entirely. Preserving some of the greenery would also go a long way in maintaining the character of the area.”

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The eThekwini Municipality responds
“The City would like to clarify that the property belongs to the Provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
While the property does not fall under the City’s ownership, the matter has been discussed at a District Development Model level in relation to its future use and rehabilitation.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and has assumed responsibility for the building.

The project is currently at the design stage. However, due to funding constraints, the project has been temporarily placed on hold.
In line with the Problem Building By-laws, the City served a Notice of Intent (Section 5 Notice) on 8 December 2023 and a Notice of Declaration (Section 6(2) Notice) on 27 December 2023 to the owner, declaring the building a problem building.”

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