Landmark BAT plant is up for sale

17 May 2010 - 00:01 By BUYEKEZWA MAKWABE
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Modern, upmarket buildings might soon replace the British American Tobacco SA factory that has been a Western Cape landmark for decades.

The factory in Paarl East, which once housed the late Anton Rupert's Rembrandt Tobacco Corporation, will go under the hammer on June 8, ending 60 years of tobacco product manufacturing in the Boland.

BAT has moved its operations to its plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng.

BAT spokesman Itumeleng Langeni said this was in line with the grou p's strategy of consolidating manufacturing facilities.

Claremart Auction Group CEO Jonathan Smiedt, who has been contracted to auction the property, said it was worth R45-million.

The property in the Paarl CBD offers industrial zoning, with 75% coverage and a height restriction of six storeys. It also has a staff recreation complex, shaded parking and the original tobacco warehouses.

Said Smiedt: "The site is ideal for redevelopment and the (local) council has indicated that applications for mixed-use residential and commercial redevelopments will be seriously considered.

"The scope for creating a new lifestyle development which takes advantage of the Berg River frontage and its central location will be a favourable factor for an investor."

Two South African consortiums have shown interest.

Willem Naude, an engineer at the plant for 20 years, said it has been a favourite of German filmmakers, who use its art deco architectural style as a backdrop for movies and adverts.

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