Phase one of Musgrave Park upgrade done

The first phase of a R118m development at Communicare’s Musgrave Park in Diep River is complete, and flats will be available to rent from October 1.

Work on the 138 new units started in October last year, much to the chagrin of existing tenants – all elderly – who told the Bulletin the development was a nuisance, and they feared Communicare was using it to get rid of them (“Building work headache,” April 18 2019)

At the time, tenant Delene Dreyer said they had all believed the complex was a retirement village when they had moved in.

She said she feared Communicare wanted to clear the complex of the elderly to make way for higher-paying tenants.

However, Communicare CEO Anthea Houston said in a statement last week that Musgrave Park was never intended to be a retirement village and that the complex only provided 30% of living space to the elderly because of the desire of some seniors to live independently.

Musgrave Park has 369 bachelor and one-bedroom units. The new 138 units will comprise 78 one-bedroom and 60 two-bedroom flats.

The first of the four three-storey-unit blocks will be available to rent to the public from Tuesday October 1.

After that, Communicare says it will launch a new block at the end of each month until December.

The flats range in size from 32m2 to 42m2, and they will be rented for between R6 720 to R9 020.

Communicare says that is is 10% below the going rate in the southern suburbs and is part of its plan to offer affordable housing to the public.

Communicare says the units are near public transport, schools and Mediclinic Constantiaberg.

A hall is also being built and Communicare is making allowances for a play area for children. A show unit has been prepared for viewing by prospective tenants.

“We are on track to deliver more than 1100 units this year.” said Ms Houston.