- The Galley Restaurant lease on Fish Hoek Beach is up for auction again in October
- City officials stated that no responsive offers were received previously and emphasized the importance of auctions for releasing land for private development.
- Co-owner Mathea Eichel expressed frustration over the City’s communication and the short notice of the auction
The Galley Restaurant lease, a prime property on Fish Hoek Beach, is back up for auction next month.
In November last year, the property lease went up for auction via a mandated competitive bidding process, sparking protest action and outrage with the current lease holders and its staff.
Responding to questions on why the previous bid was unsuccessful, Mayco member for economic growth James Vos said “no responsive offers” were received.
“There were no responsive offers received during the previous auction, the City intends to grant the long-term lease rights to a suitable lessee who will help the site reach its full potential as a tourism catalyst for the area and result in the retention and creation of local economic opportunities.”
READ MORE: There was an injustice: Uncertain future for Galley restaurant in Fish Hoek after auction
Vos further explained that the City is continuously looking for innovative ways to release land assets for investment.
“Auctions are a key part of our strategy to release land for private sector development,” he said. “Our previous auctions led to many successful transactions, and it’s an exciting way to spark further development across the City.”
Vos said: “The money generated will be reinvested into service delivery, ensuring lasting benefits for our communities. This approach maximises underutilised land, driving long-term economic sustainability.”
During the first auction, the Galley restaurant owners bid up to R210 000 to retain the lease but were unsuccessful.
The upcoming auction on Wednesday 2 October, with the opening bid starting from R100 000, came at short notice, claims Galley restaurant co-owner Mathea Eichel.
“I am devastated, including our staff because on Tuesday 17 September, I received a cold-hearted letter from the City in which they notified me for the first time that there will be an auction,” she shared. “We saw the auction being advertised, by luck, a week before the City told us.”
An emotional Eichel tells People’s Post she does not appreciate how the City treated her and the way they communicate.
“I don’t think anyone has been treated like this, a tenant of 37 years who developed their land, looked after their land during Covid and winters when there was no business but we are still there . . . they don’t respect that. They treat us like we are just another number and that hurts, and is unacceptable.”
Eichel says she has no issue paying the rent amount the City is asking for, they just need to communicate what they want.
Restaurant staff have not taken the news of another auction very well, she adds.
“They are worried because they won’t have a job for long.”
She hopes the City will give her enough time before vacating the premises once the second auction has been concluded.
“The last time they gave me six months to leave and I hope they can again give me another six months.”
Eichel reflects how generations of families, who frequented the eatery, were saddened at its closure.
“This is an institution for many, where generations of families have enjoyed this space. The community is sad because the Khoi hut and Khoisan museum, which is part of our heritage, will also have to be removed.”
