Atterbury is known for its malls and its innovative head office developments for corporate clients, but did you know that it also developed a retirement complex a few years ago? Kingswood Village in Newlands, Pretoria, which celebrates its 10th birthday this month, is one of the rare residential developments on Atterbury’s prestigious list of accomplishments. And in true Atterbury spirit, the involvement with the community of Kingswood has remained. We speak to resident and trustee Jeanné Meyer about the enduring relationship.
Happy 10th birthday Kingswood! Tell us about the birthday festivities. How big did you go?
The celebrations continued throughout the first week of September! There was a Soup and Sherry evening, a “Comrades”, a sheep braai, a formal tea with a singer who performed; and last, but not least, we had a sundowner event in our lovely park.
What was Atterbury’s involvement?
Atterbury sponsored the sheep for the braai. On behalf of all the other trustees and the residents I want to thank Atterbury and specifically Zahn and her team for the wonderful response when we contacted her for the sponsorship…
It is very unusual for a developer to stick around and become part of the family! How have you experienced the relationship with Atterbury over the past years? When did you move in there?
We have been very lucky! Atterbury has been involved in various ways and has always been there for us. My husband and I moved in July 2008 when building was still ongoing on the site. A number of our residents have close links to Atterbury employees and associates, and we like to stay connected.
We hear Atterbury Trust has a plan to connect some of the Trust’s bursary students who do not have parents or grandparents, with Kingswood residents who might be able to provide mentorship and guidance. What are your thoughts on that?
We have had projects before where students from Hatfield Church did community work in Kingswood and I certainly see the possibilities in this suggestion. Connecting the Atterbury student and resident communities will be great for everyone – having young people around is so energising and a number of our residents are retired professionals who have so much expertise to share, plus they have the luxury of time to give.
What is special about life at Kingswood?
Kingswood is a lifestyle village, and there are too many special elements to single out one! We have a restaurant that provides good, affordable meals daily, a hairdresser and a gym. We have a lovely library with a cosy atmosphere where residents love to sit and read. Homecare is available at Kingswood with a permanent nursing sister on site and a proper clinic which operates daily. We have a strong sense of community and organise many social events for residents.
What other activities are planned for Kingswood as we move towards the end of the year?
In November we have two end-of-year functions – one is an afternoon event and the other an evening event. We are looking forward to those as we always endeavour to create interesting activities to mobilise residents to become involved!
