The tender to redevelop the building in the city centre has been awarded to Pambili Developments.
The historic landmark is the first state-owned property to be released on a 40-year lease basis for private development in the inner-city.
Addressing the media, Nelson Mandela Bay's Executive Mayor, Councillor Nondumiso Maphazi said the building will be renovated to make way for tourism, leisure, entertainment and office space facilities.
An up-market development in this abandoned area near the port would have a catalyst effect on similar development in the area and will provide a further impetus to urban renewal in Nelson Mandela Bay, said Maphazi.
"We are certain Pambili Developments will breathe new life into this derelict, but historical old building.
"The building is set to change from an eyesore into an attraction for locals and tourists alike, drawing people to it, and into the area," she said.
Construction is expected to begin in April and renovations are due to be completed in 2009.
Royden Thompson of Pambili Developments said the new development will comprise a dance club, conference facilities, a restaurant, fast food outlets, a gaming arcade, a creche and onsite parking.
"Our proposal focuses on the revitalisation of the old Tramways building and the Lower Baakens Valley by improving the safety of the area and by creating an entertainment node for Nelson Mandela Bay," he said.
An important aspect of the refurbishments is preserving the heritage of the building - the original architectural language as defined by the use of style, materials and architectural elements.
He said the facelift included the construction of windows and openings in brickwork framed by plaster bands, to define the elevation of the building.
"It will also involve either the removal of paint of the face bricks to restore them to the original condition, or the painting of face brick areas in a similar colour to match the original face brick colour.
"The northern elevation will be softened with the introduction of openings and balconies to give depth to the facade," said Thompson.
Two feature entrances will form a pedestrian link through the building, creating a mall-like impression.
A pedestrian bridge will extend the link through the building to the Northern Bank and the city centre, allowing safe passage across the river.
He said he would also create a lake around the building. "The water levels will be raised one meter below the walkway on either side of the lake, forming a small waterfront development on the Lower Baakens Valley," said Thompson.
The mayor said that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was confident that Pambili Developments offered the best value, coupled with the most interesting design taking into account the need for mixed-use facilities.
"As such, they will be given a long-term development lease for this building from the MBDA, who have been tasked by the NMBM to manage the redevelopment of the Tramways building."
Source: BuaNews
Presentation for Seminar
