3.5.2 PROVISION OF A LINEAR PARK WITH AMENITIES

We envisage that the entire lagoon edge that stretches from Loerie Park on George Rex Drive to the Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront could be developed into a well-equipped linear park.
Euro Construction would like assist in the upgrade of this park in the vicinity of the study area, that
mainly involves Erf 1339.

We envisage this park will have an ablution block as well as play area/s and play equipment for children of various ages. Consideration may also be given to setting aside an area of this being set aside as a skateboard park or that a basketball court, beach volleyball, ‘wet’ playground and tide meter could be provided. Trim park facilities along the entire route are also an idea that could be further explored. It is proposed that the property remains in the ownership of the Knysna Municipality, and that the developers should pay for the development of the Public Park and that the Knysna Municipality will provide a service level agreement as to the levels of maintenance that they will provide to ensure the upkeep of the area when it has been handed over to them.

 

Map indicating location of existing Sea Scouts Building - Outlined in Yellow and proposed site for re-location of Sea Scouts Building - Outlined in Blue

. Relocation and Upgrading of the Sea Scouts Facilities
With Euro Constructions involvment in the area, the opportunity exists to upgrade the public land where the Sea Scouts building is currently situated, with private funding. Euro Construction will be willing to enter into a Joint Venture with the Municipality to redevelop and/or relocate the Sea Scouts building to provide better facilities and to improve the aesthetics of the area. Additional development on the second floor (and perhaps third floor) could be used to recoup some of the capital investment.

From consultation with the Municipality we have concluded that the possibility exists to relocate the Sea Scouts building to an area more appropriate to this type of activity (at the edge of the water, where it is easier to launch boats etc.) within the municipality boundaries. It is apparent that there are more suitable sites for these facilities where boats can be launched into the water adjoining the property.

In the event that the relocation does not prove acceptable it is envisaged as an alternative option that the existing building be renovated to update these facilities and to provide additional facilities such as conference facilities, an internet Café and an associated hotspot which could provide free internet access to the people of Knysna in this area. This building could also be used to provide accommodation for incubator businesses that do not produce any significant waste such as IT Companies etc.

Should the municipality be interested in such a joint venture, this avenue can be explored in more detail. This proposal can also be linked to the relocation of the driving Test Centre to a more appropriate location and the creation of a Green Belt along the lagoon edge for the use of all local people of Knysna and it's tourists.

The Existing Sea Scout Building
If agreement is reached on these proposals, Euro Construction will offer to fund or help to fund the provision of the park facilities provided that the Municipality enters into the ongoing maintenance and servicing of these facilities on a service level agreement.

Proposals for Lower Central Industrial Area

- Driving Test Center
The Municipal Drive Test center is currently situated directly adjacent to the Knysna Lagoon. This represents a gross under utilisation of public land. It is proposed that this facility be moved to a more appropriate location. One suggestion is to relocate the facility to the Loerie Park Parking area. This parking area is hardly ever used except during major sport events, to its full capacity which are usually at weekends or on public holidays. The aerial photographs below indicate the existing Test Centre and the proposed relocation to Loerie Park parking area.

- Jetties
The developers are investigating the possibility of providing additional jetties that can be used by the general public and the
owners/residents of the proposed development. We are currently conducting an in-depth survey of the channel depth to determine
the feasibility thereof. The jetties shown below are within a couple of hundred metres of our proposed developments. These clearly improve the linkages between the population of Knysna and the lagoon.

- Amphitheatre
By relocating the driving test center, an opportunity is created to use the land in a more economical way. Euro construction has investigated
different land use scenarios for this land parcel. This being public land, we believe that the public should benefit from it. Our proposal is to provide an amphitheatre made of a strong teflon coated canvas and tensile structure in this new public park. This amphitheatre would be similar to that which is currently in the boardwalk in Port Elizabeth. This would be ideal for concerts, music being played at weekends, cookery demonstrations, plays, artist forum, puppet shows etc.

Indicative layouts of the Amphitheatre Area