By Max Matavire

The old tramways building, a decaying Port Elizabeth historical landmark which has become an eyesore, may soon be transformed into a vibrant R100-million upmarket arcade breathing new life into the tranquil Baakens Valley.

In a major step towards urban renewal, the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality yesterday announced that it had awarded a tender to a Port Elizabeth company to develop the derelict building.

The project is set to include an upmarket nightclub (a branch of the popular East London club Numbers), a restaurant and a takeaway shop, a creche and a conference facility. A pedestrian bridge will also be built across the Baakens River, which will be dammed up to create a large body of water.

Port Elizabeth company Pambili Development has been given a 40-year lease on the property.

The redevelopment project will be managed by the municipality through its development arm, the Mandela Bay Development Agency.

Speaking at the official announcement of the project yesterday, Mayor Nondumiso Maphazi said: “The building is the first State-owned property to be released on a 40-year lease basis for private development in the inner city area.

“It is the value of the land in terms of its location that makes this deal so exciting, as well as its potential for mixed-use facilities.

“The development plan proposed is likely to be a catalyst for retail, office, residential, leisure, tourism and development in the area. The Baakens River Valley is screaming for development. We expect this redeveloped area to attract attention and start the process for similar development in the valley area.”

Construction is due to start in April and be completed next year.

Pambili managing director Royden Thompson said their proposal focused on the revitalisation of the Old Tramways building and the entire lower Baakens Valley by improving the safety of the area and creating an entertainment node for Nelson Mandela Bay.

“An important part of our development is preserving the heritage of the building – the original architectural language as defined by the use of style, materials and architectural elements.

He said about 122 permanent jobs would be created and about 150 during construction. A minimum of 580 parking bays would be built to complement the existing 200 bays under the freeway bridge.

“The Baakens River will be wired under the flyovers, creating a lake around the building, with the water levels raised one metre below the walkway on either side of the lake forming a small waterfront development on the lower Baakens Valley,” said Thompson.

Pambili Developments is also developing the upmarket Echo Edge Apartments along the valley, and is planning to build its multi-storey 5 000m² headquarters in the area.