Plans to revamp building

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A building in Marsh Street, Mossel Bay, which used to accommodate the Social Development Department offices, has been empty since last year.

Social Development Department staff vacated the building to move to a newly redeveloped premises, the Willem van Heerden building further down Marsh Street, in the direction of the sea.

The Willem van Heerden building used to be a school hostel, but was empty and derelict for many years.

The grounds of the now empty premises which Social Development staff occupied, 34 Marsh Street, are not being maintained and there are people living illegally in the single-storey quarters behind the building. The grass is hip high in some parts of the grounds.

The Mossel Bay Advertiser enquired to the Department of Roads and Public Works, which owns the property, about its plans for it. The property is not owned by Social Development.

People are living illegally in these quarters behind the main building.
Photos: Linda Sparg

Government departments

Jandre Bakker, Western Cape head of communication for Roads and Public Works, said the building was still needed by the Western Cape government and currently, planning included that in future the building would house government departments, once restored.

"A shared space is envisaged similar to the Mossel Bay Shared Service Centre (Willem van Heerden building) in Marsh Street. The timelines cannot be communicated at this stage as they would be dependent on the availability of resources."

Bakker noted: "There are no approved lease agreements in place currently. We are aware of unlawful occupants and legal processes have started to ensure the removal of the unlawful occupants.

"With regards to general maintenance of the building and grounds, this will be minimal as the building is set for renovation and resources will be allocated towards the bigger project."

The historically significant building is a combination of stone and mortar, with high ceilings and sash windows.