Worcester residents are about to witness a significant change to one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
The historic Kleinplasie property, long celebrated for its cultural and historical value, is set to go up for auction this September.
Local authorities hope the sale could open the door to new housing projects, job creation, and broader economic growth in the region.
A Landmark Property in the Spotlight
Spanning a sprawling 200,000 square metres, Kleinplasie is owned by the Breede Valley Local Municipality.
The online auction, managed by the Claremart Group, will take place from 17 to 18 September 2025.
Officials see this as part of a wider push to make better use of government-owned assets that are not central to public operations.
Responding to Rising Demand for Housing
Claremart officials have highlighted that the sale could address the growing demand for middle-income housing across the Western Cape.
“It’s a financially sound strategy and part of responsible governance,” said Zain Amod, Executive Director of Claremart.
“This is about stimulating the local economy through proper asset management.”
The auction has already attracted attention from developers, especially as more people move to towns outside Cape Town and affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce.
Heritage Will Be Preserved
Despite the potential for new development, the Kleinplasie Museum—currently managed by the provincial government—will continue to operate.
“Heritage and development can coexist,” said Claremart’s Rob Stafanutto. “Kleinplasie has the potential to bridge history and progress.”
Transparent Process Ensures Public Confidence
The municipality emphasized that the auction is being conducted transparently, following a formal open tender process.
Officials are keen to reassure the public that the land will not be “dumped” or transferred informally.
The sale represents a careful balance between preserving cultural heritage and creating new opportunities for the Breede Valley community.
A New Chapter for Kleinplasie
As Kleinplasie moves from public ownership into private hands, it marks the start of an exciting new chapter.
The property may become a model for blending historical preservation with modern development, benefiting both the local economy and residents alike.
