One of Worcester’s most historically significant and oldest heritage properties, the iconic Kleinplasie, will soon be sold at auction and potentially usher in a new era of public and cultural heritage.

The 200,000 m² Kleinplasie, currently owned by the Breede Valley Local Municipality, goes under the hammer during an online auction from Wednesday 17 to Thursday 18 September, with potential to unlock new housing, jobs and economic growth

According to the Claremart Group, the property has already attracted interest from developers who see significant potential to capitalise on one of the Breede Valley’s crown jewels.

Governments all over the world hold vast portfolios of assets, from properties and vehicles to machinery and equipment. Municipalities, government departments, and state-owned entities (SOEs) have all ramped up efforts to dispose of non-core movable and immovable assets by public auction.

The Breede Valley Local Municipality has appointed Claremart Group, following an open tender process.

Zain Amod, Executive Director of Claremart Group, explained that these underutilised or obsolete assets represent a significant, often overlooked, source of potential value.

“Unlocking this value through the structured disposal of non-core assets by auction is not merely a financially sound exercise but a critical component of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and economic stimulation.”

Claremart says it is proud to be a private sector partner that assists governments to obtain maximum market value from their assets.

Claremart says contrary to popular belief, these assets are not merely ‘dumped’ as a tick-box exercise to get them off the books, or lined up for buddies, through a corrupt internal process.

Rob Stafanutto, Head of Development at Claremart Group, noted that hybrid and remote
working models adopted by many businesses have contributed to an even greater influx of migration to the Western Cape, with many opting to settle outside the city centres, like the Breede Valley and surrounds.

“Added to that, the Western Cape faces a severe housing shortage for the middle class, with significant disparities between a lack of affordable options and a well supplied luxury market. This prime piece of development land with heritage status is therefore well-positioned to respond to the increased demand for middle and upper-middle class homes that provide amenities, safety, space and less than one hour from most of Cape Town’s business centres, effectively rendering it an extension of Cape Town.”

Kleinplasie will always have a special place in the hearts of the Breede Valley community and the museum, managed by the Western Cape Government, remains fully operational.

New ownership, subject to the preservation of the museum, will usher in new opportunities for development, job creation, regional economic growth and the next chapter in the history of this iconic piece of heritage land.

Registration for the auction: https://onlineauctions.claremart.com/Auctions