14/01/2026
Our condolences to the family and friends of Mike Freeman who passed away recently.
Mike was the architect who designed The Valley.
In his book on the history of Berea Gardens, Richard Mogg recounts how, after the senior partner of a well established architectural firm was requested to submit a first look Sketch Plan for a multi-story residence on this site, "His response was unfavourable in the extreme, due to the steep slope leading down to the Ihlanza River".
Richard continues "We then invited a young architect, Michael J Freeman, who was busy making a name for himself as a progressive architect in East London, to express his views. This he did with such professional enthusiasm and skill that, in April 1985, following the presentation to the Board of his Sketch Plans and Artist's Impression, he was appointed architect for the project".
On behalf of Valley residents, past, present and future, thank you Mike and rest in peace.
