7.7 REDEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL LAND AND THE RELOCATION OF CURRENT FACILITIES ON THIS LAND
The Developer envisages that the entire lagoon edge that stretches from Loerie Park to the Waterfront could be developed into a well-equipped linear park. The Developer would like to assist in the upgrade of this park in the vicinity of Erven 3556, 2944 and 1331 Knysna that mainly involves Erf 1339 Knysna. This re-development will be carried out in Phase 1 of the development. The property is currently zoned “Undetermined”, which means that no building or use in this zone may be extended or altered or changed without the approval of the Knysna Council. It is envisaged that this park will have public ablution facilities, play areas and play equipment for children of various ages and an amphitheatre. The theatre and park will be provided with CCTV and Public lighting. There will also be an Information centre/security facility and ablution facilities.
It is proposed that the property remains in the ownership of the Knysna Municipality, and that the developers will 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. A detailed business plan and legal heads of agreement will be drawn up to address the Public Park agreements and facility relocation should positive consideration be communicated through.
The possibility of the Municipality selling the land (Erf 1339) to a developer, or possibly developing the land itself to a more appropriate land use, has been considered. However, taking into account the existing rights of the surrounding property owners and the negative impact that such scenario will have on property value it will in generally not be supported by surrounding property owners.
In order to create this park, the following proposals are made for Knysna Municipality’s consideration:
7.7.1 Upgrade/Relocation of the Sea Cadets area
The Sea Cadets are currently located on Erf 1339 Knysna. The pictures below indicate the status of the building, which is currently dilapidated.
Euro Construction will be willing to enter into a Joint Venture with the Municipality to relocate the Sea Cadets building to a more suitable location to provide better facilities and to improve the aesthetics of the area. At present the Cadets have limited access to the Lagoon channel due to the shallow nature of the channel
From consultation it has become apparent that there are more suitable sites for these facilities, where boats can be launched into the water, available. Should the Municipality favorably consider the option an agreement can be drawn up to provide more details to the relocation. The Cadets have indicated to the Developers agents a preferred relocation in Knysna on Municipal land. If relocated the possibility exists to include retail/commercial space on the Ground floor with some form of Social / Affordable Housing component on first and second floors of this new facility.
Driving Test Center
The Municipal Driving 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 approximately 6000m˛ in extent and except during major sport events, is hardly ever used to its full capacity. The Test Center can be accommodated in this area realistically.
7.7.3 Amphitheatre
By relocating the driving test center, an opportunity is created to use the land in a more economical way. The developer has investigated different land use scenarios for this land parcel. This being public land, the developer believe that the public should benefit from it. The proposal is to provide an amphitheatre made of a strong tensile canvas type material and steel tubing in this new public park. This amphitheatre would be similar to that which is currently in the boulevard in Port Elizabeth. This would be great for concerts, music being played at weekends, cookery demonstrations, plays, artist forum, puppet shows etc. On favorable consideration by Knysna Municipality the Developer is prepared to build this facility and that the municipality will then manage it for its own benefit. The Developer will provide the Municipality with a high-level business plan to show the financial benefit to Knysna Municipality once a positive indication is received. As previously stated it is the intention to develop this facility as part of Phase one works in order to be completed for the 2010 World Cup.
7.7.4 Jetties and small boat harbour
The developers are investigating the possibility to create an additional jetty and small boat harbour that can be used by the Sea Cadets and the residents of the proposed development. An in-depth survey of the channel depth to determine the feasibility thereof is currently being conducted. This is however a long term option to be investigated which will require environmental authorization and is therefore not forming part of this proposal at this stage. The jetties below are within a couple of hundred meters of the proposed development. These clearly improve the linkages between the population of Knysna and the Lagoon. The approval of this proposal is not part of this application as it will require an in-depth study of the impacts on the lagoon etc. It will form part of a future application.
