Voortrekker Street has a rich history, and many important people have left footprints in the area.
This street was at one time known as Market Street and was the main road from Heidelberg leading towards the industrial and Rensburg areas.
There are many historical buildings, some of which have stood the test of time, and some new ones.
One of the latter is the Victorian Centre at the top of the street, which has various retail shops located within the premises.
Driving down, you will find the Heidelberg Police Station, originally the old police barracks. Before it was part of law enforcement, it was first the Transvaal Hotel.
Across from that police station is the Nederduits Herformde Kerk, built in 1889. The architect was Gerard Moerdyk.
The Van Belkum Hall was the first building on site, and Ds van Warmelo opened it.
Just down from it, one finds the St Ninians Anglican Church, built between 1882 and 1885.
Next in line is Laer Volkskool, built in 1906.
Going further down, one finds the location of Viljoen and Meek Attorneys. A fire in 2022 destroyed the building, but it was revamped. They were also the latest building that received a blue plaque for heritage.
Just across the street is the iconic Klipkerk, which started in 1889, and across from the church is the historic City Hall. General JJ Pienaar and Mayor DJM Morgan laid the cornerstone on June 2, 1939.
Gerard Moerdyk was the architect, and JS Smuts and Co were the contractors.
The City Hall site was initially Market Square, where Holy Communion was held, and riders from far and wide came to Heidelberg to attend. According to reports, the Holy Communion get-together started in about 1877.
In 1880, the Vierkleur was hoisted by the driemanskap: Paul Kruger, MW Pretorius, PJ Joubert.
On the City Hall’s opposite corner was where the old Ellis Mitchell Taylor used to be. Everyone knew it as Yummy Bar. It is now under new ownership and named the Golden Maine Bistro.
They were the third blue plaque for heritage in Heidelberg. The building was built before 1900.
On 39 Voortrekker Street was the old Heidelberg Hotel, and slightly across the road was the Pistorius Building, built in 1925.
Other hotels on the street were the Central and Grand Hotel.
As you go further down the road, the buildings become newer and more modern, with various retail shops lining the street.
Further down the street, you come across the bridge built over the well-known Blesbokspruit. The original bridge was built before 1899.
Ref: Heidelberg Heritage Association.
