WORDS: LOUISE LIEBENBERG IMAGES: SALVELIO MEYER
Despite the proximity of bustling Walker Drive and a new network of roads introduced thanks to the huge Baywest Mall development completed in 2015, Ben Kamma is still relatively quiet. Homes here are mostly freestanding, with some townhouse complexes developed in recent years.
Larry Keogh of Key Housing Property Developers, has been building homes in Ben Kamma since 2005, and was responsible for Sandton Manor, St Bridget and Notting Hill, the latter still under development. Many homes in Ben Kamma are more modern than in other areas of Port Elizabeth, and plot sizes average 1,200m2, Larry says. “Ben Kamma is not for first-time homeowners – more middle-class and young professionals,” Larry adds.
Simphiwe Javu has lived in Wiehahn Avenue for six years. “The ambiance and space, especially the grounds and entertainment area, attracted me to the house,” he says, adding the safety and quietness of the suburb also appealed to him.
Gary Bradfield, SA Homeloans regional manager, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Free State, also lived in Wiehahn Avenue for eight years and likewise describes it as peaceful and quiet. “What I most enjoyed was that it was quiet and traffic-free in the actual suburb,” he says.
Suburbs neighbouring Ben Kamma include Sherwood, Glenroy Park, Kamma Ridge and Beverley Grove.
Property
Ben Kamma’s proximity to Baywest and the linking of Walker Drive to the N2 have had a major impact on property prices, Larry says.
“Ben Kamma has seen prices appreciate over the last five years by at least 50%. Homes that were selling for R1,2m five years ago will easily attain R1,8m to R1,9m now. The average selling price at Notting Hill is R1,7m.”
Ben Kamma is one of the safest areas in Port Elizabeth, Larry says. “Crime levels are low as the area boasts an active neighbourhood watch and WhatsApp group. Ben Kamma is also serviced by major security companies such as Atlas, ADT and ‘new kids on the block’ Bradbury.”
Schools
Ben Kamma has no schools, but several schools in Port Elizabeth’s western suburbs are reachable from here. They include Rowallan Park Primary, Kabega Park Primary, St Josephs Primary School, Morningside High, Westering Primary and Westering High. At under 8km away Lorraine Primary School is also fairly close.
Explore
“Ben Kamma is situated on Walker Drive between Baywest Mall and the Walker Drive Shopping Centre, approximately 3km either way,” Larry says. “Both centres have eating places and shops to cater to all needs.”
Baywest has brought significant road infrastructure investment to the area surrounding the mall. Since the mall is now linked with Walker Drive and the on- and off -ramps of the N2 freeway, the new roads contribute much of the convenience associated with living in Ben Kamma. These, along with Walker Drive, make it easy to reach other suburbs and outlying attractions.
The ‘Island’ in Ben Kamma is convenient for jogging, walks and cycling, with a number of open public spaces available for outdoor games for kids SIMPHIWE JAVU, RESIDENT
EAT
- Ben Kamma has no restaurants, but the Walker Drive Shopping Centre is home to Bonamia Restaurant and Deli, which has been going for more than 15 years and is known for its steaks and schnitzels.
- The Walker Drive Shopping Centre also has a reasonably-priced cafe called Friends and Blends, and several fast-food outlets.
- The Sherwood Garden Centre’s Garden Cafe is a relaxed spot for tea, coffee, scones and cake, and serves good quiche and salads.
- Baywest has numerous eateries and fast-food spots. Primavera, formerly a Melissa’s, is great for coffee and lunch with friends.
- Royal Aces Bistro, which opened at Baywest in September, has a tandoori oven for preparing authentic Indian dishes.
SHOP
- The Walker Drive Shopping Centre is the nearest centre with a Pick n Pay, Clicks and Builders Express.
- Being under 3km to Baywest Mall is a plus as it’s a mega-development with many shops.
- Metlife Mall and Makro, in the Cape Road area, are under 4km away.
- Sunridge Village in Sunridge Park is accessed via Kragga Kamma Road and just over 4km away.
- Buco is a large “one-stop-shop” hardware store in Walker Drive, Glenroy Park.
- The Sherwood Garden Centre has been in Walker Drive since 1981, and is visited by gardeners from across Port Elizabeth. It also has a glass-wrapped function venue overlooking the nursery.
DO
- Kragga Kamma Game Park, a small, privately owned reserve established in 2001, is a 7km drive away and is accessed when heading out along Kragga Kamma Road. Giraffe, rhino, zebra, buffalo and a variety of antelope roam free in natural surroundings.
- Take a stroll through the Sherwood Garden Centre or grab a coffee and milk tart at its Garden Cafe.
- Baywest’s ice ink is popular with all ages and grades of skaters.
- Baywest also has an Imax theatre and normal theatres for movie lovers.
