Hawthorndene Hotel security jacked up

GEORGE NEWS - The Hawthorndene Hotel, which was sold on auction recently, is undergoing a major cleaning out operation before restoration begins.

Last week an electrical security fence was erected to beef up security.

Neighbouring Heatherlands' residents welcomed the rehabilitation of the historical property.

The new owner, still only known as Andries, didn't let grass grow under his feet.

A mere two weeks after the property changed hands, a team of workers were sent in to tidy up the old landmark.

Tons of debris, old mattresses and rubbish were being trucked away systematically.

The Hawthorndene was sold on auction on 29 September by Van Rensburg Auctioneers, who confirmed on 12 October that the liquidators Mazars Recovery & Restructuring (Pty) and KPMG had accepted the R4,7-million bid.

Years' worth of decay and neglect is being stripped away and rotten beams taken down.

Heaps of waste matter are being carted away from the Hawthorndene daily. Rotten building material is being stripped and a general revamp is well underway.

While the town's oldest hotel stood empty, plunderers carted off parts of the roof and other building materials.

This resulted in the roof partly collapsing and the top storey's wooden floors being flooded with rain water.

Neville Klue, who acted as the caretaker for many years, said there are security guards on duty at night and the new owner has asked him to keep an eye on the property in the daytime.

He said gates and access control will provide extra security.

Security is being stepped up at the Hawthornde Hotel. On Tuesday, Vikus Vorster of Topline Holding was installing electrified fencing on the north-eastern side of the hotel.

Tikkoppe departed
The so-called tikkoppe who were said to be responsible for the July 2016 fire that decimated a section of the upstairs area, have apparently left.

Heatherlands resident Michael Fleetwood, who was anxious to see a halt of the deterioration at the hotel and the corresponding drop in property values over the past eight years said, "The new owner is doing something good for George.

"I see this as one of the most positive things that has happened in a long time. The Hawthorndene upgrade will go a long way to restore normality in our suburb."

Occupants
The illegal occupants of the flats adjacent to the hotel have received an official notice from the owner informing them that they needed to vacate the premises by 20 October.

It stated some occupants may get an extension until December.

Asked what is to become of the occupants, George Municipality's Communications Manager Chantel Edwards-Klose said, "In terms of the conditions of auction the new owner will be responsible for the eviction of the illegal occupants. The PIE Act and the court will make a finding how to accommodate the evicted families."

The Lord provides
The oldest occupant, Ida Buck (92), did not make plans to find alternative accommodation. "The Lord will provide. I will leave it in His hands," she said.

Read previous articles: