St Mark's Square to get a face lift

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality intends to redesign and upgrade the area known as St Mark's Square, the parking lot off Cathedral Street that is also used as the Intercape bus station.

According to Deputy Director of Planning Delia Power, the aim with the redesign is to attract active use of the area, address safety and sustainability issues, enable the transportation-related function of the square and integrate the needs of the surrounding landowners and users of the area where possible.

Power said a service provider has been appointed to manage the re-design and upgrading planning process.

In addition to the transportation and parking function of the square, commercial activities such as food trucks, delis, food kiosks and related seating for patrons will be considered, as well as other initiatives such as night markets, infrastructure to support environmental management services, landscaping and greening.

Security upgrades such as the installation of CCTV cameras, access control measures and improved lighting are also part of the intended plans. Long-term parking, possible charging stations for electric vehicles and alternative energy solutions to aid safe and active use of the site will also be considered.

The municipality wants to highlight the unique character and heritage of the site and envisages that it will form part of a future Heritage Precinct. The consultant's team includes landscape and heritage specialists.

Adjacent property owners and identified users have been informed of the intentions and their input has been invited to ensure that the local needs will be met.

The final design and cost estimates are anticipated to be finalised by January 2024, after which funding will be sourced to implement the plans.

A zoning view of the St Marks Square area.