Lawrence Street residents are up in arms over a plan to demolish two historical buildings for office space. At the top end of the street is a house built in 1869.
Lawrence Street residents are up in arms over a plan to demolish two historical buildings for office space. At the top end of the street is a house built in 1869.
The occupant, Trish van Zyl, said she had heard that the owner, the Anglican Church, was considering demolishing her rented house, as well as another settler house and an 1860 building, formerly a church, now used as a pre-school, in order to build extra office space for staff and visiting priests.
“They are going to demolish people’s home and a school to put up a building for offices,” said van Zyl. She said the land her home occupies another house, including the church now used as a pre-school, belong to the Diocese of Grahamstown.
“You can’t take away history and where we come from. What will we teach our children if the houses are gone?” Van Zyl said. Another concerned resident is Bill Shackleton, who said the area was historic and sensitive. He said residents were distressed at the suggestion that the historical might be destroyed. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Shackleton said.
Shackleton said 25-30 people had indicated their objection to the proposed demolition. He believes the idea is still in its early phases. Grocott's Mail was unable to obtain comment from the Bishop or the Dean of the Diocese, as they were away on leave.
