Historic church property goes on auction

THE future of the former Berea Presbyterian Church building and grounds situated on King Dinuzulu and Lena Ahrens Road will be determined when the property goes on auction on 2 June.

The current owner of the prime positioned property bought the site and adjacent residental home when it went on sale in 2012 for R5.5-million. According to Selvi Howitz, a representative from In2assets Property Specialists, the owner purchased the property with the aim of building a gym in building structures around the church, but has recently put the entire property up for auction.

“The church is still in tact as it is a historical monument, but there are still many rooms that can be utilised, as well as the seven-bedroom house in Lena Ahrens Road,” said Howitz.

Ros Devereux, Head of the Built Environment Section of Amafa/Heritage KZN, confirmed that the church is listed as a Grade III heritage site in terms of provincial and national heritage legislation and is protected in terms of Appendix 7 to the eThekwini Town Planning Scheme. “As such, demolition would not be allowed and only minimal alterations or additions would be permitted in order for the building to be adapted to a sustainable new use, should that be required,” she said.

The neo-Gothic/perpendicular style Presbyterian Church was built in 1886. The walls of the church, which reach over nine metres in height, are made of a coloured clay brick and the stained glass windows fitted into the building were manufactured in England and shipped out to Durban, as was much of the original ironmongery and cabinetry. The church itself can accommodate a congregation of 300 people. Seating is still in place along with other furnishings.

The 2 583 square metre site includes a large hall with approximately 275 metres of floor area, which was formerly used as a functions room and was home to the Kathleen Voysey Clinic and soup kitchen which served the needy community for many years. There is also 300 square metres of office space. According to Howitz, the property is zoned as a place of worship (religious), but could be used for a variety of purposes.

She confirmed that news of the property going on auction had drawn a big response from the market place. This was mainly due to its locality. She added that she had been surprised by the strong interest from the Muslim denomination which has shown interest in converting the property into a mosque or Islamic centre.

“There has also been interest from the corporate sector who would like to turn the buildings into offices, but they would need to get permission from the municipality for rezoning. We are selling the property voetstoots with its current zoning,” she said.

Responding to the impending auction, ward councillor, Nicole Graham, said: “This church is incredibly beautiful and was built in 1886 so it has immense historical value. I know it was sold a few years ago, and I hope whoever purchases it will have consideration for the current building and seek to maintain its beauty and serenity.”

Kevin Dunkley and Cheryl Johnson from Save Our Berea said empty and decaying churches could pose a problem as the question of what to do with them stands.

“Historic buildings are expensive to maintain. The congregation has declined so it is no longer viable to retain the building for their worship. So why not sell the building on and give it a new life? Save Our Berea hopes whoever buys it appreciates the heritage value of this building. It is listed, so demolition is not an option. We would like to see it converted into a community centre. This way a redundant building can be reintroduced back into the centre of a community for the benefit of the community,” they said.

The property will go on auction at 11am on Thursday, 2 June.