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The demolition followed an extensive process in obtaining a demolition license and in June the MBDA was finally able to proceed, clearing the way to leveraging this prime piece of land for future catalytic developments.
Tamlynn Jackson, project leader at the MBDA, explained, “The process to demolish a structure of this size is complex and drawn out due to the nature of approvals involved, each with a set of criteria to be met.”
She added, “One such approval is that of the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs, necessary to safeguard sensitive environmental considerations, such as the protection of the flood line. A mandatory 20-day period for possible public objections to the demolition was also required before the demolition process could be initiated.”
Adam said, “The agency does not want to simply appoint professionals to advise us on what to do, we want the public to have a say.
“Govan Mbeki Avenue, the Boet Erasmus site and Bayworld are all public assets – they’re in the public imagination and the public psyche.
“The public has vested interests in these areas over the years and the MBDA wants them to have a say in the way forward. We want to use this opportunity as part of nation-building and what it means to live in Nelson Mandela Bay.”