Very soon the rain will be less of a factor for our residents as Garlington will have its very own gym and heated pool. Staying on the sporting front the tennis courts are now open for action and await aspiring Roger Federers and Ana Ivanovics. Should you wish to play a game of tennis please ensure that you are wearing tennis attire, using non-marking tennis shoes and release the net when you are done. The keys are available at the gatehouse on a first come first serve basis.

Construction of the gym, heated pool, coffee shop & deli is well under way and is clearly visible alongside the apartments and should be completed sometime in August. The coffee shop is a particularly eagerly anticipated landmark as it will be central to Garlington’s vibrant social atmosphere and if the demand is there it will also be open in the early evenings. We can officially disclose that it will be an Essence (Wetherley’s Centre and Crossway’s) and will serve their to-die-for coffees as well as offering a bespoke contemporary menu and most beverages.

The Garlington Apartments are coming along well and they are expected to be completed in April. There has been a good amount of interest shown with one sales agreement already signed and Elle Hooper, the Interior Designer that worked on the project, renting one. The estate has continued to perform well with sales continuing to go through despite a tough economic climate; this illustrates Garlington’s resilience as an investment vehicle.

Building on the rest of the estate is also going well there are currently 32 approved plans and 11 awaiting approval; building, therefore, shows no sign of abating and the resident population of the estate is continuing to grow. The matter between the Garlington Trust, UWP Engineers and Conan is ongoing. There are areas where the roads have failed and we are seeking recourse via the binding contract between us.

It has been proven once again that Garlington is serious about security; a contractor, who we won’t name and shame, has been banned from the estate after one of their labourers working on the site was caught stealing from the client. We endeavour to maintain a tough line and ensure that the estate remains secure and that every resident continues to feel completely safe. Garlington will protect the lifestyle which characterises the estate.

On the same note would everyone driving on the estate please do so with caution and respect for pedestrians and children playing. There are not many places where it is possible to live so freely, please help ensure that Garlington’s streets are safe. The entrance, in particular, has become a point of concern. Please use the exit and not the entrance when leaving the estate, it is dangerous not to particularly in the Hilton mist. To help discourage the use of the entrance as an exit a fine of R100 will be imposed on offenders.

You will notice that the estate staff and contractors have been hard at work planting and keeping the estate in a pristine condition. A lot of planting has been done in the open spaces with grass and trees going in to begin to create the parks that will be at the heart of Garlington.

We would also like to welcome Larika Dickason in accounts and Louise Friess who is going to take on the half day administrative position at the site office for the Homeowners Association. They will be a valuable addition to the team and I am sure that you will find them both to be friendly and efficient.