Heritage Western Cape (HWC) has confirmed that no definitive timeframe can be given for when a decision on the heritage significance of the Gilray site will be made public, as the Section 27 nomination process for the Grassy Park landmark remains underway.

The confirmation came in a formal response from HWC deputy director of Heritage Resource Management Services, Colette Scheermeyer, who outlined the statutory steps still to be completed before any ruling can be issued.

The nomination, submitted by the Save Gilray Executive Committee, seeks to declare the old Gilray Scout Campsite (Erf 75571, Grassy Park) a Provincial Heritage Site under Section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999), according to SGC member Moira Manuel.

The nomination was considered by HWC’s Inventories, Grading and Interpretation Committee (IGIC) on Thursday 7 May this year, followed by a site inspection.

The Save Gilray Committee (SGC) subsequently met with IGIC on Thursday 6 August to learn whether further information was needed to support the application, according to Manuel.

Community momentum

The site, dating back to the 1950s, has become dilapidated after years of neglect and vandalism.

It made headlines last year when plans to sell it surfaced, drawing fierce opposition from residents. About 20 protesters staged a peaceful demonstration on Heritage Day, with a petition gathering roughly 5 000 signatures.

Among the SGC’s proposals are transforming the area into a hub for culture and arts, green-economy initiatives, sports facilities, youth entrepreneurship programmes, and senior-citizen amenities.

Previously, the City’s Economic Growth Directorate stated that the future use of the property remained under review and any disposal would follow due statutory process, including public participation.

“People want to see activity now more than ever,” she said. “There has to be public participation and not just a small column in the newspaper.”

Multi-stage process

Scheermeyer explained that the process includes assessment by IGIC, consultation with affected property owners and interested and affected parties, and broader public participation.

IGIC assesses the information and makes a recommendation to the HWC Council, which is the statutory decision-making authority for Provincial Heritage Site declarations.

“A Council decision can only be made once all nomination, assessment and consultation processes have been completed,” she said. “HWC is therefore unable to provide a definitive timeframe at this stage.”

How significance is assessed

Scheermeyer detailed how the site’s heritage significance is being evaluated, saying the nomination is being assessed under Sections 3 and 27 of the Act.

HWC considers historical, social, cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, scientific and associative significance, together with factors including rarity, representivity and significance to communities.

The assessment draws on the nomination dossier, supporting research and evidence, oral histories, stakeholder submissions, public comments, and any additional information requested during the process.

The purpose is to determine whether the site meets the threshold for provincial significance and warrants Provincial Heritage Site status.

SGC member Moira Manuel confirmed the committee had submitted final historical information gathered from Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Victoria Road and from residents who grew up in the neighbourhood, including details about how the scouts began and how the land was used for large camping events.

She said IGIC members had inspected the remains of the fire pit and brick steps used by scouts in the camp’s heyday during their site visit.

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