GEORGE NEWS - Funding from the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme will be made available for essential upgrades in the Thembalethu CBD.
"The technical and financial planning process is key to shaping the CBD to provide for the necessary trading space where businesses and community activities can flourish," said George Mayor Leon van Wyk.
"The CBD is also the hub for public transport connectivity to residential areas and the broader city. Citizens, therefore, need to be able to access all the necessary amenities within this new precinct."
The development of this nodal area along Nelson Mandela Boulevard is supported in various preceding studies, including the Thembalethu Urban Upgrade Report.
Limited private investment in the development of the node has compelled the George Municipality to seek public funding to facilitate the project.
After various engagements and presentations, the National Treasury: Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme (NDPP) indicated in-principle support for the development of the node.
The main objectives of the NDPP include the provision of economic opportunities, creating high-quality public spaces and linking various role players/funders within catalytic projects.
The current phase of this project relates to the identification of projects that will be the most sustainable, and beneficial to the resident community of Thembalethu, and to co-ordinating the placement of such components on-site. Detailed project streams relating to an identified project pipeline and engagement with role players will be prioritised.
A vibrant, sustainable, and well-managed node is envisaged.
First phase
The first phase of the project will entail the development of a detailed investment plan and area management strategy for the node, as per the requirements of the NDPP.
The focus is thus on the identification and packaging of realistic, sustainable project components to bring the Thembalethu CBD to life – to the benefit of the receiving community, with maximum leveraging of other public and private investments.
Initial investigation has identified elements such as market areas, traders' facilities, public transport facilities, hive industries and community spaces.
Project pipeline proposals will be technically and financially investigated and will be workshopped with stakeholders. The process will also include detailed site plans and cost to prepare the project elements for implementation, to secure capital funding from the NDPP and other sources.
The focus will thus be on setting up implementable projects. Funding related to technical assistance to compile the investment plan and set up the management structure was confirmed by the NDPP in March 2022.
A tender process is being followed to appoint an appropriate service provider that can guide the technical and financial process and can initiate a consultation with interested and affected parties, including relevant community forums.
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