Demolition work on the Porter Groups office and motor service centre block in Belmont Road, Rondebosch, to make way for Rawson Developers new 166 unit R180 million sectional title development is about to start, says the chairman of the Rawson Group, Bill Rawson.
'The original plan was to transform and add to the existing complex,' said Rawson, 'but as the Council have vetoed our proposals for ground floor shops and first floor offices, we have decided to build a completely new structure, dedicated to apartments'
This, he said, should be completed by the end of 2012 in time for the 2013 academic year at UCT.
Both the demolition and the construction will be handled by the Rawson Groups own construction company, Rawson Construction, which is now expanding and branching out to serve groups other than those under the Rawson umbrella.
The rubble from the demolished building will be kept on site and recycled so as to raise the ground level. This, said Rawson, is in keeping with the Councils decision that all new buildings in the Liesbeek floodplain should be above the 50 to 100 year flood mark.
The new building will be seven storeys high and will face north. Most of the units will have mountain views and the majority will also have balconies from which these can be enjoyed.
After three months marketing, there are only 64 units to sell. These vary in price from R845 000 to R1,9 million and in size from a one room studio pads to three bedroom apartments. As on most Rawson developments, the finishes will include granite tops in the kitchens, a choice of laminated flooring, tile or carpeting, fitted cupboards in all the bedrooms and sophisticated down lighting.
Thus far, said Rawson, much has been written about the potential for good appreciation on these units and the satisfactory returns likely to be available to buy-to-rent investors on account of the complex being so close to UCT and other educational establishments and the suburban rail line. However, he said, one factor which has so far not really been highlighted is the splendid mountain views that will be open to most residents.
'As this will be by far the tallest building in the entire precinct,' he said, 'occupants of the upper floors will have panoramic views of either Devils Peak or the Southern Spine and Kirstenbosch mountain views. These will add a great deal to the pleasure of living in this busy, friendly, cosmopolitan area'
A sales team is on site and a show unit has been built.
For further information contact Trevor Weston-Green on 087 151 1682 or 082 783 4393.
