Stellenbosch’s most prominent nightclubs could be asked to close their doors as early as December 2019, with a new mixed-use development edging closer to being approved.
Tin Roof, Terrace, Catwalk, Stones and most recently, Cubana, are all among the current tenants of the Drostdy Square on Bird Street and have all become synonymous with the Stellenbosch nightlife.
The development is headed by Abacus Development Company, who were also the developers of Eikestad Mall. The company is a representative of Eikestad Mall (Pty) Limited, who began plans for the new centre back in 2010.
Developmental plans for the new Drostdy Center. PHOTO: Abacus Development Company
The application process has since advanced to its final phase, with Abacus waiting on the Stellenbosch Municipality’s planning tribunal to come to a final decision.
Petrus Erasmus, who is the director of developments at Abacus, is positive about the project being approved.
“I’m optimistic [and] I think it will happen. I think we will get a [favourable] decision from the municipality’s tribunal. We’ll probably be in a position to get a decision from them in the next three months. We can [then] mobilise and be in the ground six months from there.”
Stuart Grobbelaar, the municipalities communications manager, had the following to say, “I’m not in a position to speculate on when this will serve before the Municipal Planning Tribunal and what the outcome will be.”
Since the conception of the idea, Abacus has been going through the necessary processes. After going back and forth with Heritage Western Cape over the last two and a half years, they’ve received approval from them.
Abacus believe the Stellenbosch Municipality’s biggest concern is the heritage aspect. They are convinced that they have since met these requirements fully by revising the original plan.
Support for the project has also come from the Stellenbosch Interest Group and from the South African Heritage Resource Agency.
A formal application was then tabled with the Stellenbosch counsel (for various departures from existing laws) in September 2018.
It was approved in principle for Abacus to go ahead with a Public Participation. This affords the public an opportunity to put forth any concerns or comments and ran from the 1st November until 3rd December 2018. One objection was received.
This formal objection came from the Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation. According to Abacus, this response was in respect of an old development concept, and they are now in discussions to revise their comment.
The proposed development includes plans for a hotel, restaurants and office space. It will see all current tenants vacating the premise, barring Cubana. The social cafe, who only moved into the centre last year, has a three-year lease. This is likely to be “renegotiated or terminated”, according to Erasmus, should the development proceed within this timeframe.
Janine Vandenplas, the general manager of Stones says she is aware of the proposed development, but “nothing has been confirmed yet, we have not received any notifications and there have been no meetings. We have options and we are looking into these options [should it happen]. Stones will still be around [in Stellenbosch].”
On the other hand, Cubana seems to be more certain, as confirmed by the manager of Cubana, Godfrey Chisango.
“Cubana is staying, but the other clubs are closing.”
The Body Elite gym has already vacated, taking up a new space in Banghoek Road. Burger King has also closed, although this is reportedly for different reasons.
“The heritage core of Stellenbosch has a very special place in South Africa’s heritage. By putting the type of development we are hoping to put there, with mixed-use offerings, it will celebrate [the heritage] more than the current offerings. The pubs and fast food places don’t really add to the heritage”, says Erasmus.
Tenants will be given a six-month notice to vacate.