Many will know Fairview as a suburb that was demolished as a result of the Group Areas Act during the turbulent era of forced removals in apartheid South Africa.
Though the former residents were forced to leave during what was a bitter period in the country’s history,many still treasure the memories of what was then a beloved suburb and home to proud, community driven and close-knit families.
After the fall of apartheid, a process of restitution followed and today Fairview and its neighbour Overbaakens, are again home to a diverse range of individuals and families who are proud to call it home while also honouring its history.
According to Danielle Koning, a 27-year-old performing-arts and drama lecturer and teacher, who originally hails from Somerset East,a lot of new developments have been promoted and built here since she moved to the area two years ago.
Modern Fairview continues to be fast-developing and is home to various types of residential buildings, ranging from freestanding houses and apartment blocks to quality social housing,as well as townhouse complexes.What attracted Danielle to the area was the well-structured and modern design of her home at Fairview Link in Restitution Avenue. This model development, which is mainly rental based, has won a national accolade as the best social-housing project in South Africa and has become very popular with young and up-and-coming professionals.
She adds that Fairview and Overbaakens are bustling suburbs since they lie alongside the William Moffett Expressway, one of Port Elizabeth’s busiest roads, which ferries commuters to Walmer and Cape Road respectively.
Schooling
Fairview itself doesn’t have any schools, but there are good schools in very close proximity. Two of the most popular ones are Walmer West Primary School and Brylin.
The latter is a private school which can accommodate pre-primary,primary and high school learners.
There are several good government schools no more than a five-minute drive away, namely Theodor Herzl Pre-primary, Primary and High schools, DF Malherbe High School and Clarendon Park Primary School.
ExploreThere are quite a few things to do in and around the area. The numerous restaurants nearby cater for both kids and adults. The lovely parks are ideal for walks on your own or as a family,to have a picnic, or to walk your dogs.
The area is relatively safe and the William Moffett is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners,not least because of its proximity to the scenic Baakens Valley. The gyms in this suburb also have a loyal following.
MOVE:
• The scenic Baakens Valley is close by and popular with walkers and mountain bikers alike.
• Viva Gym is at the Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre.
• Along the William Moffett Expressway, you will find popular Profiles Gym.
• The Fairview Action Arena in Mimosa Road hosts five-a-side soccer.
Eat:
• Barney’s Tavern Willow Road: for pub-style eating and live entertainment
• Coffee and Kids Company, Willow Road: for indoor and outdoor play areas for all ages
• Shanna’s Portuguese Restaurant, Circular Drive: for Portuguese cuisine
• Roast Master Cafe, Moffett on Main Centre: for coffee, breakfast and brunch
• San Francisco Cafe, Moffett Retail Park: for affordable breakfasts and light meals
Shop:• Walmer Park Shopping Centre: for an exciting and diverse mix of retail stores
• Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre: for decor and clothing stores, indoor entertainment and restaurants
• Moffett Retail Park: where most of the Bay’s big decor shops are now based
• The 17th Quarter shopping centre: a mix of shops that are conveniently located
• Fig Tree Shopping Centre: for a unique mix of retail stores and family-friendly restaurants.