CIDC moves into new ‘home’
Draper Cottage, as it has been christened by its new occupants, is the new headquarters for CIDC management and operations staff. Situated at no 25 Stegman Road, Claremont and backing on to Draper Square parking lot, the charming cottage with its brookie lace veranda detail is one of the last remaining ‘residential’ properties in what has become a densely populated commercial corridor.
The cottage was previously used by the City’s Solid Waste Department but had been standing unused for many months. It was in October last year that it was proposed to the City that the CIDC lease this land and refurbish the existing building to use as its operations office. Approval of the lease was granted in November 2014 and renovations commenced in February 2015. The CIDC, which was previously located on the first floor in the Stadium on Main on Claremont Main Road, moved into the new office in early June this year.
The cottage has been extensively refurbished and presents a dramatic and enhanced space from which the CIDC can run its operations. “No structural changes were made and we have ensured that the architectural integrity of this heritage beauty has been maintained whilst giving it a completely fresh look and upgrade,” says the CIDC’s Abdul Kerbelker.
The grey-blue colour palette of the wall and furniture décor reflects a serene and crisp office environment and the newly refurbished gleaming wooden floors all make for a very conducive work space. It also boasts a sparkling kitchen, two restroom facilities and a welcoming reception area. Says Kerbelker: “Being based at street level we are now much closer to the action in our CBD, giving us a fresh perspective of where our interventions are needed.” Securitas patrol and cleaning staff are still operating out of Stadium on Main but the heart of the CID operations is now based here.
“The passage wall will serve as a wall of remembrance and memorial,” says Kerbelker, “to those who lost their homes under the Group areas Act in the early 60’s in the Claremont precinct.” A display of archival black and white mounted photographs is still a work in progress. “It is not a museum, but an operations office. We, however, invite the public to visit us at our new premises and to pause a moment to reflect on the past,” he adds.
A spacious “green lung” yard allows for staff parking and also provides a space for future low key CID related events.
The lease for the property measuring some 883 m2 has been signed for close on 3 years.
Kerbelker has extended a huge vote of thanks to CIDC Chairman, David Stoll, for supporting and facilitating the project.
Installation of external CIDC signage is currently underway.
The contact details for the CIDC remain the same:
EMERGENCY TOLL-FREE NUMBER 0800 200 597
Tel: (021) 674 0639 Fax: (021) 674 1533
E-mail: info@cidc.co.za
Website: https://www.cidc.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claremontcid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CIDClaremont