Spotlight on St George's Park

[gallery ids="172707,172713,172708,172714,172712,172705,172709,172706,172711"] The name St George’s Park brings about thoughts of cheering at cricket matches and leisurely Sunday strolls. Residents say, however, that there is far more to this historic, leafy part of the Bay than just that. Up-market apartments, galleries, schools and stately homes which often double as businesses, line the streets, and it wouldn’t be a morning in St George’s Park without a few joggers or dog-walkers about. The area is fairly busy due to its proximity to office buildings and businesses, but the green park at its centre seems to maintain a feeling of calm even on its busiest days. One of the biggest attractions in the area is the St George’s Park cricket grounds. It played host to its first Test match in 1889 and is considered one of the oldest cricket clubs in South Africa. Even older than that, is the park that houses the grounds – St George’s Park was established in 1859 and is officially the oldest park in Port Elizabeth. The park incorporates the world famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest bowling green in South Africa (Founders Green), the St George’s Park swimming pool, Prince Alfred’s Guard Memorial, the popular Manville Open Air Theatre, as well as the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory which was built for the cultivation of exotic flora. Other facilities include a children’s playground and outdoor gym facilities similar to those found at the beachfront. The park is a favourite for joggers and, on the last Sunday of each month, it is also a hive of activity as the Art in the Park event is hosted there. In summer, a Shakespeare festival takes place at Mannville, making the park a popular multi-use venue. With the park, shops, art galleries, top schools and Life St George’s Hospital all just a stone’s throw from the residential area, it is easy to see why a home in this area is so sought after.

“I love living in the St George’s Park area because everything I need is walking distance away, and if I walk anywhere people always greet me, which is really nice,” – resident Nadine larter

Buying in St George’s Park The monthly bond repayment to purchase a typical property in St George’s Park, namely a two-bedroom apartment, with the median asking price of R640,000 is R6,390 per month over 20 years at prime of 10,5% with no deposit. Schools St George’s Primary School St George’s College Greenwood Primary School Grey Junior and Grey High School (nearby) Things to do Settlers Park Nature Reserve St George’s Park GFI Art Gallery Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum St George’s Park cricket grounds Best in food Natti’s Thai Kitchen: for authentic Thai food Savages Fine Food: for bistro-style cuisine Rhubarb and Lime Cafe: for coffee shop fare
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