Opended to the public mid-December 2023 as a pre-launch activity and pilot, the newly-developed site has proved popular with residents, visitors, and the tourism industry.
“Although we still have outstanding items such as an operational coffee and curio shop, and minor construction snags, we felt it opportune to give the market an opportunity to experience the site during the holiday season,” said Mandela Bay Development Agency spokesperson, Luvuyo Bangazi.
The St Peter’s site was purchased by the MBDA more than five years ago, with a vision to transform this space and restore the pride that was associated with South End.
The redevelopment, which included the stabilisation of the old church, construction of a boardwalk, and the creation of a whole new visitor centre, with events and retail, was disrupted by successive COVID-19 lockdown levels and resumed in 2021. Now, the old church building is stabilised, a boardwalk embraces this marvel, and new works of art tell the maritime and fishing livelihood stories that are embedded in the ways of living in South End before, during, and after the forced removals of the 1960s.
“The St Peter’s heritage site is now open to receive visitors, and locals, and we have teamed up with the tourism office of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to reach out to all inbound tours. SA Tourism registered Tour Guide, Mike Phantsi, can be found on site for guided tours.
“The MBDA extends a special invitation to those who have heritage or family roots from this part of the world (Old South End), and we look forward to hearing their stories so these can be documented and shared with the rest of the world to keep the memory of this special place alive for generations.”
In a short period of time the social media engagement has been phenomenal, with nearly 350 shares and 250 comments and feedback, all positive and encouraging.