By Buhle Makabane

AFTER 15 years with no substantial development, the East London beachfront is preparing for a major revamp next year.

This was revealed at the opening of the new offices of the Buffalo City Development Agency (BCDA), just off the Esplanade in Quigney.

It is part of efforts by the municipality to make the city more attractive to potential investors and a healthier place for its residents.

"There have been calls for the development of the East London beachfront for a number of years," said Gaster Sharpley, the agency's chief executive.

"These calls have gradually raised the expectations of the community about what to expect and, moreover, the ability of the BCDA to deliver. The establishment of the agency should fast track development and create much needed capital."

Areas earmarked for possible development are a 1,6ha area above the proposed Heroes' Memorial in Seaview Terrace, the 1,6ha open area on Court Crescent and the 3,1ha former caravan park site in Marina Glen.

"The three pilot sites are expected to generate an investment of R300-million from the private sector. The agency is facilitating development and is not part of the development," Sharpley explained.

Also part of the agency's first phase of development is the area between Eastern Beach and Nahoon, where most of the land is available.

Criteria for choosing sites for possible upgrading were that they were municipal-owned land, there was a demand for them and they had a huge development potential.

According to a report in a local newspaper, Buffalo City Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean said the land under consideration was municipal-owned so it had to be made available to the agency through a "land availability agreement" between the two parties.

This would not hamper the BCDA in promoting the three sites.

"It is fairly well established what parameters will be allowed on the various parcels."

The BCDA would be responsible for awarding the land to the successful developers, Maclean said.

Phase one of the project will start in February 2006.

The BCDA is a section 21 company not for gain; its mandate is to investigate options for the development of the beachfront and to drive development in the city, channelling unused infrastructure and land into sustainable and revenue-producing projects.

Financial backing for the agency came from the Industrial Development Corporation, which has pioneered a number of similar municipal initiatives around South Africa.

Source: Buffalo City