PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Van Plettenberg Historical Society (VPHS) has taken the first step on an ambitious path to restore Plettenberg Bay's famous Timber Store, declared a national monument in 1936.
The Timber Store, opposite the Old Rectory Hotel and Spa, that also boasts a VPHS plaque, was commissioned in early 1786 and completed in 1788 to ensure a constant supply of wheat and timber to the Dutch East India Company in Cape Town.
The VPHS has set as its goal the restoration of the Timber Store into a museum, conference centre and tourist centre, expected to cost about R50 million. The remains of the store will be glassed in to highlight the remaining structure.
Personal challenge
The project - there were restoration attempts in the past - has become a personal challenge for Len Swimmer, chairman of the VPHS. The plan is to create a major tourism attraction for Plett.
The plaque, unveiled on Monday 21 October by Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam and Swimmer, was jointly sponsored by the Plett Rotary Club and the VPHS.
An artist's impression of the restored Timber Store. Illustration: Supplied
Rotary Club members present at the unveiling included District Governor Stephen Young, Area Governor Claire du Plessis and Plett Rotary President, Molly Smit.
'Fruitful use'
A joint statement by the VPHS and GLH - Grosskopff Lombart Huyberechts and Associates (architects) - said the concept is aimed at the preservation of the historic Timber Store on stand 246 Plettenberg Bay, part of a greater site bounded by Meeding and Hopwood streets.
Rotarians and supporters of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society joined mayor Jessica Kamkam at the unveiling of the plaque at the historic Timber Store.
"We believe that the existing ruins should be retained with the least possible intervention, but enclosed in a transparent building adding sufficient facilities to 'repurpose' it, to put it to fruitful use.
"The idea is to turn it into a museum and cultural centre, together with offices and accommodation for tourist promotion.
"The purpose of this initiative is to prepare a 'Dream Proposal' to interest suitable funders to finance the construction and future running of the project," said the joint statement.
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