New look for landmark Claremont property
The 94-year-old Greenways property in upper Claremont is being converted into an upmarket security estate.
The Greenways Development Company is transforming the property, now called Greenways Estate, into 13 sectional-title flats, which include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments in the main Greenways Manor House; 12 bespoke houses; and six terraced townhouses, each with three en-suite bedrooms.
Greenways Development Company director Kevin Dore said they wanted to create a unique security estate with quality homes.
According to the developers, the Ashton family built Greenways Manor House - designed by architect Norman Lubynski - in 1928. It was a private residence until it was converted into a luxury retirement complex in 1981.
Claremont resident Pippa Pearce said her late grandmother, Dorothy Kennedy, had stayed there for five years.“My grandmother stayed in a two-bedroom unit, which had a garden which she could visit, and there was a swimming pool for residents to use on the property.”
She remembers swimming in the pool and running around on the big property as a child when she went to visit her grandmother.
The complex then became the Greenways Hotel, which, according to the developers, closed in 2014.
Newlands resident Peter Truter said he celebrated his wife Carla’s 60th birthday and had his wedding reception 12 years ago with Carla at the Greenways Hotel. “It is such a lovely building and it has lovely surroundings.”
Neighbour David Mantell, who has stayed in the area for 10 years, said: “The hotel that was previously here was badly maintained, though this development will be a wonderful addition to the area.”
Mr Dore said work had started last November and while restoration of the manor house was finished, the rest of the development was expected to be completed within the next two years.
Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews said the development of the property had been approved in terms of the Municipal Planning By-law. “However, the subdivision has not yet been registered in the deeds office and building plans have not yet been approved for the development.”
Greenways Development Company director Tony Matthews said the plans for the renovation and restoration of the manor house, boundary walls, refuse room and guard house were approved and the work had been completed.
“Building plans for the bespoke homes and terraced apartments are awaiting submission to the local authority,” he said. Mr Matthews said the sub-division had been lodged with the surveyor general for approval and once approved, would be lodged with the deeds office for registration.
