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Welcome to the Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust
The few remaining mansions of the Randlords built at the turn of the century are monuments to the colourful history of Johannesburg.
Parktown and Westcliff are two of the oldest suburbs of Johannesburg and home to the mining magnates from 1892 till today. The concentration of power and money, combined with the exuberant and extravagant taste of these pioneers, is reflected in the homes they built on the prominent ridges which lie north of the city centre.
The Trust organises tours of the houses and gardens since most are not accessible to the public.
In recent years the Trust has expanded its historical tours to include other parts of this City of Gold and of Struggle.
SECOND QUARTER'S PROGRAMME
2nd Quarter Programme Apr to Jun 2012 - click to download word document else view it on-line under the quarterly programmes section. Click to view the Newsletter.
HERITAGE TODAY! - A programme for all those who care about out old buildings. They can now listen to the podcasts by clicking on the icon.
Tuesday mornings at 10h45 Stay tuned.
JOHANNESBURG HERITAGE JOURNAL VOLUME TWO
STOP PRESS
The Caledonian Club Building corner Jeppe and End Street, collapsed when vandals removed the steel girders which were holding up the façade.
WYNNSTAY AND THE CHIMNEY THAT NEARLY TOPPLED
Mid-March and Mora Katz who is the now the director of the National Children’s Theatre in Junction Avenue, Parktown, sent an e-mail and a photograph of the tall chimney which threatened the shingled roof and possibly windows of Wynnstay, the red brick Queen Anne style house at the corner of St Andrew’s and Queen’s Roads. Using funds provided by Zenprop and the City of Johannesburg we had organised the waterproofing and restoration of the exterior of Wynnstay in 2007 so the leaning chimney was of special concern to PWHT.
But Colin Barrow and Barrows Construction came to the rescue, dismantling the dangerous brick work and rebuilding the chimney. Many thanks for the prompt and efficient action which averted a small catastrophe. The costs would have been much greater, the rain would have penetrated all the roofing and ceilings….. Just awful to imagine the damage that would otherwise have been done.
Many thanks Colin and thank you Barrow Construction for not sending us a bill.
Wynnstay was built in 1913 and designed by Percival Hill Mitchelson for Mr. and Mrs. Gregory. According to the Voter’s Roll he was the Messenger of the Court. Justice Department officials were obviously better paid then they are now if he could afford this beautiful home in Parktown.
Heritage News
Click here to read all about it!
Click here to view our Westcliff page
PLEASE PROTECT OUR JACARANDA HERITAGE FROM THE ANTS
Click here to enter the link to our Johannesburg Heritage site or type in www.joburgheritage.co.za
IS YOUR HOUSE CONSERVATION-WORTHY?
Two lists of heritage buildings have been submitted to the City of Johannesburg by the trust. These are arranged by suburb and then by Street. To check whether your house is on the list go to :
NB The Categories are simply the Trust’s evaluation, not an official status at all. And a few are newer buildings, less than 60 years old.
AA Very important aesthetically, historically, lovely gardens and in good condition
A Very important historically and/ or architecturally
B A fine building, often lovely garden setting, less significant historically OR a very important property not in good condition or altered unsympathetically
C A good building of its time, possibly altered or extended but still significant to the street and the context.
FEEDBACK PLEASE !
CHANGING OR DEMOLISHING OLD BUILDINGS
For the information of our members and anyone interested in heritage buildings we include the form which has to be completed by anyone wanting to alter or demolish structures which are more than 60 years old.
NB: All structures over 60 years old are automatically protected by the national heritage Resources Act and a permit is required from the PROVINCIAL HERITAGE RESOURCES AUTHORITY before these can be altered or demolished or additions made.
FRIENDS, CORPORATE MEMBERS AND SPONSORS
The Northwards Trust
Westcliff Residents Association 
Set up to retain the historic architectural heritage of Parktown and Westcliff, the Trust tries to make this heritage accessible through tours of the buildings and the area, publications and special programmes for school children.
It is a fund-raising organisation and donations are most welcome.
Contact Details
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+27-11-482-3349 weekdays between 09:00 and 13:00 (GMT+2) or use that number to leave a message or send a fax to (011) 482 7807 . |
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Northwards 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193; |
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School Tours:- education@parktownheritage.co.za |
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Visit our office at the same address, weekdays between 09.00–13.00 |
Last Edit : 03/05/2012