Church owner turns down highest bid

NOT even a bid of more than R7-million could persuade the owner of the heritage and historically significant property on the corner of King Dinizulu and Lena Ahrens Roads which is home to the Berea Presbyterian Church building and grounds, to agree to the sale of the property which went under the auctioneers hammer on Thursday.

According to Selvi Howitz, a representative from In2assets Property Specialists, the current owner was not pleased with the highest bid of over R7 million, and has decided to keep the property on the market.

“The church and grounds are still available for purchase and an auction will be held in due course,” she said.

The current owner bought the property and neighbouring residential house after it went on sale in 2012 for R5.5 million. At the time, he planned to build a gym in the buildings around the church. The church is a historical monument and cannot be altered, but the property offers many rooms that can be utilised as well as the neighbouring seven-bedoom house on Lena Ahrens Road.

Historic church property goes on auction

According to AMAFA regulations, the church building is listed in terms of provincial and national heritage legislation and is protected in terms of the Appendix 7 to the eThekwini Town Planning Scheme. It cannot be demolished and only minimal alterations or additions would be permitted in order for the building to be adapted for sustainable new use.

Howitz said the property is zoned as a place of worship (religious), although it could be used for a variety of purposes.