Several leased areas surround the RFP area (see diagram)
At Victoria Park
Established walkways
Number of well established old trees
Number of water features and ponds
At Dodd’s Farm
No existing facilities
Mountain bike trails
Disturbed areas
f. Existing initiatives
Renovations to Pearson Conservatory in progress – St Georges Park
“Art in the Park”at St Georges Park
Plays at open air amphi theatre – St Georges Park
Plans to upgrade NMBMM Art Museum in pipe line
ENVISAGED DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
The development of facilities in the Settlers Park Nature Reserve, Victoria Park, St Georges Park and Dodd’s Farm is envisaged as themed horticultural developments with amenities to compliment the specific theme of each park.
Suggestions for type of facilities suitable for these parks
It is envisaged that Settlers Park will be developed as an indigenous botanical garden, St Georges Park as an exotic botanical garden, Victoria Park as an arboretum and Dodd’s Farm will be developed with a water/river theme. A horticultural plan must be submitted for each of these as set out in section 10. Horticultural requirements
A
B
C
Settlers Park with Node A, B and C
Function envisaged at Settlers Park, Node A:
New conference/multi-purpose facility
This facility must cater for at least 150 people at a time. It will typically be used by large groups for conferences or as a wedding venue.
Kitchen with catering facilities and serving hatch- connected to lecture space and cold storage facility
Approximately 40m²
Disabled ablutions and access
As per NMBMM requirements
Break away space
As required for 150 people
Parking
As per NMBMM requirements
New interpretive centre
This facility must cater for at least 45 people at a time. It will typically be used by school groups.
Accommodation
Area or capacity
Entrance with access control
Minimum 12m²
Exhibition space
Minimum 70m²
Lecture space
Minimum 70m²
At least one office
Approximately 12m²
Male and female ablutions
As per NMBMM requirements
Small kitchenette with serving hatch- connected to lecture space
Approximately 9m²
Disabled ablutions and access
As per NMBMM requirements
Parking
As per NMBMM requirements – combine with parking for node A
Function envisaged at Settlers Park, Node B:
Tea garden/tea room
Tea room to be linked with pathways to the main parking area. Orientate building to have main views over the valley.
Accommodation
Area or capacity
Tea room seating area
To cater for at least 40 people at a time indoor and 40 people out door
Kitchen
At least 20m²
At least one office
Approximately 12m²
Disabled ablutions and access
As per NMBMM requirements
Male and female ablutions
As per NMBMM requirements
Parking
As per NMBMM requirements – combine with parking for node A
Function envisaged at Settlers Park, Node C:
New restaurant and parking
A parking area must be developed to cater for people using the restaurant, as well as day visitors accessing the park from this node.
Accommodation
Area or capacity
Restaurant seating area
To cater for at least 60 people at a time indoor and 30 people out door
Kitchen
At least 20m²
At least one office
Approximately 12m²
Disabled ablutions and access
As per NMBMM requirements
Male and female ablutions – must be available for use for all day-visitors (could possibly be separate from restaurant)
As per NMBMM requirements
Parking
Create new parking area – as per NMBMM requirements
E
F
St Georges Park with project area within yellow line and Node D, E, F and G D G
D
Pedestrian link between Settlers Park and St Georges Park, indicating Node D
St Georges Park indicating existing leases
Function envisaged at St Georges Park, Node D:
Entrance/link with information/snack kiosk and curio shop
This facility will serve as the entrance to the botanical garden. A pedestrian friendly link between this entrance and the Settler’s Park Entrance should be created. This can be done with paving, trees and street furniture. A small facility is envisaged at Node D with under cover seating/waiting area for approximately 10 people and a small tuck-shop like building with an information kiosk and curio shop.
Function envisaged at St Georges Park, Node E:
New NMBMM offices to replace existing offices to be vacated at Settlers Park
The JV will be required to build new office space or renovate the existing house (belongs to NMBMM) at Kragga Kamma Road (Erf 188 – Sunridge Park). The development should be designed sympathetic to the existing offices and must be detailed in the Site Development Plan. Alternative building systems may be used for building this office space.
Function envisaged at St Georges Park, Node F:
New parking area
New vehicular access and parking area to be developed in conjunction with NMBMM. Number of parking bays and proposals for vehicular access to be included in Site Development Plan.
Function envisaged at St Georges Park, Node G
Parking and event space
Respondent to include proposals for development of this space in the Site Development Plan. It is possible that management and use of this space will be shared with Union Olimpic Sports Club.
Victoria Park with Node H H
Proposed donkey cart route from Settlers Park Node C to Victoria Park Node H C
H
Function envisaged at Victoria Park, Node H:
Drop-off point (link) / information and snack kiosk (to possibly sell picnic baskets) with curio shop
This facility will serve as the entrance to the Victoria Park. A link between this entrance and the Settler’s Park Entrance should be created – a possible donkey cart route is suggested. It is envisaged that this will be a small deli-type facility with an information kiosk, curio shop and an undercover waiting area with seating for approximately 10 people.
Link to Settlers Park
I1
I2
I3
Dodd’s farm with nodes I1, I2 and I3
Function envisaged at Dodd’s Farm, Node I:
The development of an up-market accommodation facility with a restaurant and a mountain bike park is envisaged for this node. One or all of the Nodes can be developed depending on the flood line. Development will be restricted to footprints of previously disturbed areas. Parking must be provided in accordance to NMBMM parking requirements for proposed development(s). There are currently a number of well used mountain bike trails and it is suggested that this opportunity could be used to create a mountain bike link with Settlers Park.
Access and accessibility
Accessibility: Because of the zoning of these properties, all parks must remain open to the public with entrance free of cost. Amenities and special activities should be used to generate revenue. That is why it is important that the Applicant should maximize the development opportunities innovatively so as to increase revenue generation.
Access to Settlers Park: will remain along the existing entrance. Additional parking bays must be created to cater for the new facilities. A secondary access point and parking must be created at Node C for the restaurant. All to be done according to NMBMM parking requirements.
St Georges Park: the main pedestrian access point will be at Node D, with a vehicular access point and parking area to be created at node F. Other existing pedestrian entrances should be retained.
Victoria Park: A main pedestrian access point should be created at node H. Other pedestrian access will be along existing routes. Vehicular access will be limited to service vehicles.
Dodd’s farm: Vehicular access to remain at existing access point. Access to be upgraded and a parking area to be provided for proposed developments in accordance with NMBMM parking requirements.
Development platform and envelope (height, size etc.) and spatial requirements
General:
Use “Infrastructure Guidelines for Nature Reserves and Natural Open Spaces of Nelson Mandela Bay” as basis for the development of all buildings and signage
Orientate buildings north-south as far as possible with views towards the wild-flower gardens
Rectangular shaped buildings preferred
Use “green” building design methods as far as possible (natural cross-ventilation, optimize daylight usage; use shading where necessary to protect against sun exposure, recycling at commercial developments, etc.)
All facilities must be disabled friendly
Provide pathways as per 8. Environmental Requirements
Provide signage as per 8. Environmental Requirements
Height:
Mostly single storey with limited double storey elements
Maximum height for double storey = 8,5m above the lowest point of the building on the site (natural ground level)
Size / footprint:
Footprint to have the smallest possible impact on environment. New buildings to be in “disturbed” areas as far as possible with indoor spaces linked to outdoor covered areas.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Studies completed and available on request in electronic format on a cd:
DOCUMENT 1: Feasibility study: Sustainable Business Development in the Van Stadens and Settlers Park Nature Reserves. Prepared on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by SRK-Consulting. October 2006.
DOCUMENT 2: Infrastructure Guidelines for Nature Reserves and Natural Open Spaces of Nelson Mandela Bay. Prepared on Behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by SRK-Consulting. April 2008.
DOCUMENT 3: CDF for Settlers Park
DOCUMENT 4:NMBM Transactional Advisor Synthesis Report. Prepared for Environmental Management by Peter Miles. November 2009.
DOCUMENT 5: Draft Biophysical and Land Use Analysis and Assessment Plan for the Baakens Valley, Target Kloof to William Moffet Express Way. Prepared on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by SRK-Consulting. February 2009.
DOCUMENT 6:Commercial Criteria to Consider for the Financing of Broad Based Economic Empowerment (BBEE) for Eco Tourism Projects in the NMBMM. Prepared for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality by Rand International Capital.
TOURISM POTENTIAL
Tourism Fact Sheet SA and Nelson Mandela Bay 2008:
