Plans in the balance for Davenport Centre development
Nothing more has come of plans to develop flats at Davenport Square.
PLANS to develop residential flats along the first floor commercial level at Davenport Centre appear to have been put on hold.
According to Georgina Sinclair from Independent Estates, the managing agent for the block, they had consulted with attorneys and the rules which are set down in the deeds office.
“After due consideration I think the commercial sector realised that they would have an uphill battle to try and put this project together because of all the opposition they would have received.”
“They have advised the residential component that they would not be continuing with this and are currently letting out the offices again,” she said.
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However, centre manager, Arrif Shaik, said the decision to convert the space into sought-after residential space was still being assessed.
“The demand for commercial rental space goes through various economic cycles just like any property sector.”
‘The current office component at Davenport Square is at a negative stage in this cycle, where the offering needs to be reinvented in order to improve the performance of the property to all stakeholders.”
“Centre Management is evaluating several alternatives for the offices, considering all stakeholders and at the same time ensuring that any decisions will positively uplift the area and community as a whole,” he said.
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There was a public outcry in November 2015 when tenants who had been operating on the commercial level in the centre were issued with notices terminating their leases and giving them until 31 May 2016, to vacate the premises.
According to one of the trustees, Angela Leemans, they were advised at the time that SA Retail was planning to convert the offices on the first floor to 61 one-bedroom residential flats. Other issues raised at the time included the lack of parking and the noise that would be generated.
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