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Which design would YOU choose for the Baakens pedestrian bridge

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The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is charged with the revitalization and rejuvenation of specific mandate areas of Nelson Mandela Bay. Since inception in 2003 the MBDA has been instrumental in the redevelopment of areas such as Kings Beach, Singaphi Street in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth Central Business District, Helenvale Township, Uitenhage Central Business District, the lower Baakens Valley and various other areas within the greater Nelson Mandela Bay.

Spokesperson for the MBDA, Luvuyo Bangazi says “The Baakens Valley precinct is one of the key focus areas of the agency for the current financial year. A significant amount of work has gone into the planning and design for the upgrade and rejuvenation of this precinct, for that last few years the agency has been chipping away and implementing that masterplan”.

Bangazi continues, “The Baakens is special because of its history and heritage linked to South End as well as its unique position, an intersection of river and Port at the heart of the City. Studies have shown that this area has great potential as a tourism node, a creative industry hub and in future a mixed use development precinct that will see people live, work and play in the area. All the plans we are implementing are aimed at capitalising on all of these aspects”.

“The MBDA has already invested significantly in the Baakens including the refurbishment of the popular Tramways building which hosts a multitude of Bay events for all kinds of initiatives. The agency has also progressed with the environmental improvements which have seen the reconfiguration of roads, clearing of alien vegetation, creation of added parking facilities and the current restoration of the St Peter’s church precinct into a must see tourism icon of the City” concludes Bangazi.

In a matter of a few weeks the MBDA will also complete the Flemming street environmental upgrade, an important link in creating a connection between the City square (Vuyisile Mini square) and the Baakens. The improvements on Flemming Street have seen the reconfiguration of the street into a beautiful landscape landing itself for unique public events and the arts. Fleming Street now offers additional parking to east the congestion on Govan Mbeki road and generally the space lands itself for multiple uses as another meeting spot in the Bay.

To complete the link between the inner City and the Baakens, the MBDA is in the final phase of planning a pedestrian bridge that will span the Baakens River from the City side to the Valley side. The bridge when constructed will lead to a boardwalk connection to the rest of the valley offerings. The agency and its consultant team have produced a number of designs that it now wants the public to choose one.

The purpose of the Bridge is to continue the walk-way currently underway at the back of Vuyisile Mini Square on Flemming Street. The bridge connection is an important component in the city’s movement plan which is to link the Baakens Valley with the city centre. It will further enable access to more parking on the north bank of the river for events on the south bank. This will influence increased numbers of visitors to activities happening in the Tramways building and other urban regeneration and tourism events in the Valley.

The bridge will provide a safe walking route for pedestrians, to slightly alleviate the parking congestion currently experienced by the city; provide easy connection to pedestrians from the city centre to the Valley. From the valley pedestrians can use the timber boardwalk at the St Peters land to South End. The City has a shortage of public meeting spaces, this project will provide a journey in an area filled with beautiful history of the Bay.

The bridge is primarily designed to be functional and practical. The Baakens River is also known for its 100 year flood line and so the bridge is designed to withstand the occasional flood. The agency is also considering the use of composite materials due to their environmental, strength and versatile characteristics.

The construction will take 10-12 months to complete.

Members of the public are welcome to make their choice known by emailing create@mbda.co.za or visiting the MBDA’s Facebook page and take part in the poll.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.