WORKSHOP 2

MATÍAS IMBERN

with JOHN ANDREWS, MAGDA MINGUZZI, LUCY VOSLOO

PROPOSAL FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT ON THE NORTHERN BANK OF THE LOWER BAAKENS RIVER IN THE BAAKENS VALLEY NATURE RESERVE

 

 

Historically, this area is one of the more important places of Nelson Mandela Bay, because it is where the Metropolitan Area had its beginnings on the coast. It is therefore very important for urban conservation and consequently for tourism.

The project area is located on the northern bank of the Baakens river and extends from the west of the proposed enlargement of the Baakens river in a large retention and catchment waterbody to the east Phoenix Iron Works heritage building.

The aim of the project is to encourage the redevelopment/re-use of the existing buildings including the Woolmarket/Morning Market heritage building and to create an appropriate public domain interrelated within the city system. This area is foreseen to connect through a series of pedestrian routes and squares to the proposed pedestrian bridge across the Baakens river to the old Tramways Building, recently restructured as the headquarters of the MBDA (Mandela Bay Development Agency). The proposal also has to take in consideration a connection between the lower project area and upper level of the historical centre.

The proposal for this area is to provide the opportunity to develop 35,000m2 of retail/office space, to promote the re-use of the existing Industrial buildings to encourage “creative industries”, food, arts and crafts and other appropriate mixed uses facilities within the precinct which will include a parking garage, and, if necessary, construction of new buildings.

The landscaping should consider the proposed enlargement of the river connection to the sea and art features and sculptures to be provided as an integral part of the project relating to the Route 67 concept of which it will form part. 

For more information about Prof. Matias Imbern click here

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