CE Pierre Voges said the agency needed appropriate consulting companies to do feasibility studies on “what would work in these areas in terms of development”.

Referring to Strand Street, Voges said demolition of the freeways was not an option.

“The street is dark and gloomy and urban planning consultants will look at ways of making the street more attractive,” he said.

“We discussed more lighting, as well as some forms of street art under the freeways, planting of trees in the area and reconfiguration of the two-way street and the parking. The area is cleaned every day by an agency-appointed private cleansing company.”

Voges said researchers doing the feasibility study would have to work with national property developers who have an interest in revitalising Port Elizabeth’s central business district to gauge what kind of investments could be expected in the area.

“On the Baakens River Valley, we are looking at the area around the Baakens River towards the harbour. We need a feasibility study soon to ascertain whether developments in this valley ought to be residential, tourism-related or business-orientated,” he said.

This part of the project concerned the redevelopment of the derelict Tramways building. The agency said the contract for the redevelopment of the building would be awarded next month.

The development was expected to act as a catalyst for the rest of the Baakens Valley and so encourage further developments.

Voges said the winning bid suggested a mix of retail, entertainment and tourism for the new Tramways development.