By June 2010, the giant stretch of land that lies in the Sherwood/Hunters Retreat and Rowallan Park area of Port Elizabeth will be home to a 110,000sqm shopping centre.
This will essentially be the first phase of a R20bn mixed-use development.
Presently known as the N2 Gateway Development Project, the developer's intention is to create a Canal Walk-style complex, complete with residential, retail, corporate and light industrial components, says Margaret de Andrade, DA Councillor for the area which falls into Ward 39 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM).
By 2015, the development should be complete, ultimately comprising up to 5 000 low, medium and high-density residential units; a 190,000sqm regional shopping centre with Pick 'n Pay and Checkers as anchor tenants; a value/lifestyle centre; a light industry node, an Engen garage and motor city; a commercial and business element with banking outlets; a hospital, private school and hotel, she notes. Most of the shops will be well-known brands but a certain percentage of space will be allocated to local retailers.
In addition, it has the potential to offload up to 5,000 residential units varying in density and cost to accommodate a range of different income groups and target markets. It will also help alleviate the "dire" need for office space and light industry in the area while simultaneously bringing about road and other bulk infrastructural development, she says.
According to the draft scoping report for the development, the intention is to create a pedestrian-friendly development with a central urban activity corridor in the form of a tree-lined boulevard and landscaped urban parks which will serve the high density residential node.
De Andrade, who supports the project, says it has received the green light from the NMBM and is now awaiting the finalisation of the EIA (environmental impact assessment), the last in the line of required approvals. However, she has concerns about two major issues, which if not unresolved, could dramatically undermine the long-term success of the project.
This first is traffic management. "Records show that approximately 1,019 vehicles per hour drive through Walker Drive on a daily basis," she points out.
"Since we have almost no business in our area, most residents commute to other areas to work, placing a heavy burden on our main roads. If we're going to cope with all the construction trucks that the new development will bring, Walker Drive needs to become a dual carriageway and we will also need our own entrance to the N2."
Her other concern revolves around the squatter camp that is mushrooming on an adjoining private property. "These people have to be moved, for a number of reasons. As human beings, they deserve better living conditions, for a start. And since the informal settlement was established in the area, crime has been on the rise. These issues have been, and continue to be, addressed with the relevant parties."
Project consultant Mazizi Msutu of Impact Consulting says the "live, work and play" development has been designed to meet the principles of sustainable community planning. As such, there are plans to integrate the development's transport network with that of the greater metropolitan area.
All going according to plan, this will include the construction of a railway station on the development site as well as other public transport means. The creation of the railway station and realignment of the railway line will be done in conjunction with the Tourism Department, the end result being the symbiotic creation of new tourism opportunities and sustainable transport, he notes further.
For more information contact Mazizi Msutu of Impact Consulting on 082 222 7333 or send an email.
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From left: Councillor Margaret de Andrade, DA leader Helen Zille and Werner Senekal
DA leader and Cape Town mayor Helen Zille was in the metro 22 and 23 February 2009 on the campaign trail to push for a re-alignment of South African politics. On her visit she addressed a jam packed hall in Uitenhage Sunday 22 February 2009 touching on very topical issues which affects South African voters. The most important issue and message conveyed at that meeting was that corrupt leaders in government make the poor even poorer and uneducated persons wanting power and money only to enrich themselves.
At Settlars park (where the above picture was taken) the issue which Helen addressed was crime and the safety of our Baakens Valley that runs through Port Elizabeth. The valley has become a haven for criminals preying on the venerable. Those who helped with the upkeep and promotion of the valley were recognized by Helen and the tragic killing of Kennedy Githinji was also remembered. Kennedy was murdered for a cellphone and the high price families are paying for the ANC’s failures to properly curb and prevent crime were highlighted. Crime in the City of Cape Town CBD was brought down by 90% thanks to Helen Zille and the dynamic DA led coalition government she leads. This success of getting crime down is to be emulated if the DA comes to government at whichever level or sphere. Those present were encouraged to join their local neighborhood watches and get involved as government cannot do it alone.
Contribute to change and visit the DA website www.da.org.za
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HELEN ZILLE
as she addresses
SECURING THE BAAKENS VALLEY
for PRESENT and FUTURE generations
Monday 23 February 2009, 11:00 to 12:00
Settler's Park Car Park
ALL CONCERNED RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME !
Enquiries : ANNETTE LOVEMORE
041 360-0447 / 083 463 5334
alovemore@mandelametro.gov.za
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