By Tabisa Mntengwana
18 February 2009

TWO major projects are expected to be launched in July by the Buffalo City Development Agency (BCDA).

These are an environmental assessment of the East London Racetrack, Nahoon Mouth and sport precincts, and the construction of the Marina Glen Ring Road.

According to the agency’s chief executive, Siphiwo Mdila, it has a total budget of R6-million, received from the Industrial Development Agency and Buffalo City Municipality.

“Part of the budget is allocated to the development while the rest is allocated towards the operational costs.”

The BCDA is conducting a feasibility study of the East London Racetrack, with the aim of determining the development potential of the land for various projects. The study will be completed in April and work will begin in July.

It will also conduct an environmental impact assessment of the area, “due to the fact that it is located on the coastal band and 100 metres from the highest water mark”, explains a BCDA report.

“Once [that] is complete, a detailed study will be conducted to guide Buffalo City in implementing sustainable developments.”

Marina Glen is a popular recreation hotspot and one of the finest beach areas in Buffalo City. Various projects have been mooted for the site, including five-star hotels, an entertainment arena, residential towers and office space.

According to the BCDA report, the purpose of the development is to make the Marina Glen a popular spot for business, particularly recruitment agencies, entertainers and residents. The agency is set to manage the spatial planning, feasibility investigations, stakeholder participation and public infrastructure design.

The BCDA aims to increase the prosperity of Buffalo City and its citizens through various developments, reads the report. These will be undertaken in ways that promote the redistribution of economic opportunities.

It also states that the prosperity of the City will be achieved through identifying under-used public property and setting up partnerships involving municipal, business and community structures.

Counting the agency’s successes, Mdila mentions that some beachfront areas have already been identified for mixed-use development, such as a five-star hotel, up-market flats and retail outlets and offices. “The agency will disclose which areas have been identified at a later stage.”

“These sites are aimed at the development of tourism-related facilities to boost the local economy,” he explains.

The BCDA is also determining the feasibility of establishing a city improvement district in the East London central business district, Esplanade and Quigney. The project is expected to be completed by June.

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