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Main Image: Artist’s rendering of proposed Community Centre
KGE Trustee Jonathan Witts-Hewisson, at the helm of the subcommittee charged with making Kingswood’s clubhouse project work, kindly provided an update on the eve of town hall sessions scheduled for mid-December to inform residents of progress.
Following the last Kingswood AGM in September, the trustees – and, in particular, a duly appointed subcommittee – have been working towards the progression of an architectural layout and design of the new community centre.
This process has now advanced sufficiently to permit homeowners to make an informed decision as to whether or not the proposed project should proceed.
To that end, the task was undertaken to appoint a project manager and a team of appropriate consultants, including architects and engineers, to take this process forward.
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Says Jonathan: ‘The next step in this exciting project will be to present the proposed facility, and the costings pertaining thereto, to homeowners during town hall information meetings, to be held on 12 and 13 December.’
Because of complications regarding the availability of the Kingswood Gatehouse facility on those dates, the town hall meetings will be held at Protea King George Hotel, which is conveniently close to Kingswood.
Three-dimensional representations of the proposed facility have been circulated to homeowners, by email, before these meetings, and additional information will also be made available during the town hall sessions.
Timing is everything
‘If homeowner approval is obtained at a general meeting in January 2023, then we will proceed with the preparation of more detailed plans, so as to permit the appointment of a contractor,’ explains Jonathan.
‘After the contractor’s appointment, it is expected that the construction phase will take between 15 and 18 months. In other words, we will be hoping to complete construction by the third or fourth quarter of 2024.’
What’s the point?
As introduced in the previous edition of The BUZZard, the emphasis of this project will be the creation of amenities and treats for the KGE community. Lounge and related facilities, for the exclusive use of homeowners and their guests, are envisaged.
‘Obviously, facilities will also be created for golfers – including a suitable halfway house – but these will not detract from the requirement that homeowners and their invited guests be able to enjoy the privilege of exclusive facilities,’ says Jonathan.
‘A proper kitchen and restaurant are provided for, which will hopefully encourage regular use by a great number of homeowners and their families. They can take full advantage of the magnificent northern view from the relevant site, where north-facing facilities will also be available for the exclusive use of homeowners,’ he says.
The plans include provision for a proper pizza oven, a barista bar, a play area for young children, and an open stretch of lawn to the north of the patio. Can you picture it yet?
Players won’t play second fiddle
Golfers, rest assured that you have not been forgotten.
Significantly improved facilities for golfers to enjoy after playing a round at Kingswood will be part and parcel of the new community hub. These include a suitable clubhouse and bar area, while proper showers and changing rooms will now become available for the first time.
‘Halfway house facilities will be available, and it is expected that the overall golfing experience will be enormously enhanced,’ says Jonathan. These improvements should make Kingswood a much sought-after golfing destination for those visitors who are amenable to paying commensurate fees for a world-class experience.
Let’s be realistic
Jonathan and his fellow subcommittee members had their work cut out when it came to determining what facilities ought indeed to be included in this development.
‘Homeowners will recall that, following the discussions which took place at the AGM, various communications and reports relevant to this project were circulated. In that process, homeowners were invited to express their views as to which preferred facilities might be made available.
‘Numerous contributions were received, for which the trustees are most grateful. Given the constraints faced, firstly from a location perspective, and secondly from a cost perspective, it was necessary to carefully evaluate what could realistically and affordably be achieved.’
Jonathan says it was necessary to guard against including features that may not be used on a regular basis. In addition, it was felt that it made sense not to replicate any facilities that are available adjacent to Kingswood, or which are presently under construction in the immediate vicinity of the estate.
‘We also considered the fact that certain proposed amenities might more suitably be accommodated when the Gatehouse is repurposed, in due course,’ he explains.
‘We therefore chose to focus on facilities that would offer an improved experience for the vast majority of homeowners of all ages – and, of course, being a golf estate, facilities that would prove to be fitting for an estate such as ours, so as to significantly enhance the golfing experience at Kingswood.’
One sure thing is that this planned Kingswood community hub is something extremely positive for residents of the estate, and all HOA members are urged to keep abreast and get involved.
Please diarise 12 and 13 December for the town hall sessions that will put you in the loop.
