Killarney and Riviera turn 100
KILLARNEY - Residents of Killarney and Riviera are gearing up for a massive party this year as the suburbs turn 100.
Preparations for the celebrations are underway and the official ceremony is expected to be hosted in September, the heritage month.
Celebrations would be characterised by the blue plaque unveiling, tours, tree planting and a massive fête in the 4th Street Park.
Numerous dignitaries and personalities are expected to hit the streets and raise a toast to the unique and historic suburbs.
Chairperson of the residents association Wayne Ford said the choice of 2013 as the centenary year was an interesting one.
The suburb was proclaimed in 1906 but the first house was seemingly only built in 1921.
The original Transvaal Automobile Club and the film studios were built somewhere in between. This gives a mid-point of 2013-2014.
With 2014 being the centenary of the First World War and an election year, the residents association decided that 2013 would be better.
A massive survey of the area in partnership with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation is planned.
A list of highlysignificant buildings will be drawn up with the possibility that a few will be nominated to receive official heritage status.
The proposed buildings are the Gleneagles, Riviera Mansions, Mentone Court and Daventry Court.
James Ball said, “A handful of sites will also receive iconic blue plaques.” The residents association hoped to raise enough money to pull off the largest plaquing
initiative of the year.
The plaques will be part of a powerful Killarney Heritage Trail which has the potential to act as a catalyst to attract large numbers of tourists to the area.
“We will then assist them to apply for official heritage status, which seemingly entitles them to a rates’ rebate as well as protection of their valuable heritage aspects,” said Wayne.
There was a call made for residents to assist by bringing to the attention of organisers the notable events and facts about the suburbs.
The association is working together with the Johannesburg Heritage Trust to research and list all the conservation-worthy aspects of buildings in Killarney and Riviera.
Wayne said, “Again, we appeal to knowledgeable residents to please come forward with information about your buildings, and about any notable people who may once have lived there.”
The association has applied to City Parks for permission to plant a tree as part of the celebration.
