A consortium of investors has lodged an application for rezoning of the property and the process is well underway, according to spokesperson André Ackerman. “We’re getting excellent support from the relevant authorities,” he said.

One of the key role-players in the proposed development is Nic Badenhorst of the Battle of Blaauwberg Heritage Society. As a result of his efforts in researching and documenting the history of the building and bringing it to the attention of the SA Heritage Foundation, the Damhuis (dam house in English) could soon be declared a cultural-historical monument.

The development will have the benefit of on-going consultations with well-known conservation architect Gawie Fagan, who inspected the building during a visit to Melkbos last year and declared it to date from somewhere be?tween 1850 and 1880.

“Until now, nobody really paid any attention to the Damhuis,” said Ackerman. “The building could very easily have been demolished. With the development we’re planning, the survival of the historical building is assured.”

Restoring and incorporating the original structure into the new tourism and restaurant complex and developing the property to be of cultural importance, but also family-friendly involves a huge financial investment,” said Ackerman. “We are actually giving away three or four million rand that we could have made had we decided to turn the whole property into a commercial development.”

The restaurant will make the project more viable. “The project must make good business sense as well. We’re not bringing any franchise in here, but plan to establish a restaurant that will be an asset to Melkbos, serving traditional dishes that will also add to its attraction for tourists.”

For his part, Nic Badenhorst is clear?ly excited about the possibilities for education and information. “The Damhuis featured prominently during the bi-centenary commemoration of the Battle of Blaauwberg early in January this year and multi-cultural bridges were built here in Melkbosstrand,” he said.

“The unique situation of this historical building makes it the logical place for an information centre – not only for tourists, but also for students and school learners. We want to see this as a practical project, keeping a strong educational link with the schools.”

According to Badenhorst, the annual Battle of Blaauwberg commemoration programme is to be included in the Cape Events calender, which is of major importance for tourism. Having a comprehensive information bureau established at the Damhuis will be a great asset to the town, said Badenhorst.

“After restoration, the Damhuis will be one of the three cultural-historical beacons on a triangular tourism route that includes the landing place of the British troops, the battlefield at Blaauwberg and the Castle of Good Hope.”

It appears there have been some objections to the proposed development. These have been mostly of the “not in my backyard” variety, said Ackerman. “At least three-quarters of the residents in the neighbourhood have given their approval for the project,” Badenhorst said.