By Patrick Cull

A craft village is to be established on Port Elizabeth’s Donkin Reserve to take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by next year’s Fifa World Cup finals.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) said in its progress report to the municipality’s economic development, tourism and agriculture committee yesterday that R10-million had been provided to start the upgrade of the Donkin. The immediate focus would be on projects scheduled for completion by June next year.

The MBDA has established a partnership with the arts and culture directorate to allow crafters access to the economic opportunities that will arise with the World Cup.

Early projects identified include landscaping the Donkin into heritage gardens, upgrading the lighthouse and cottage where there will be a retail opportunity and six artworks by emerging artists celebrating the story of the city.

The MBDA said that if funds were available, terracing and pathways would be completed so that the “walk of the century”, celebrating the life of former president Nelson Mandela, could be ready for the World Cup.

It is envisaged that the journey will start at the Campanile and follow the steps up Jetty Street, past the City Library and St Mary’s Cathedral, and on to the Donkin, symbolising the “summit” of Mandela’s achievement.

According to the report, the Local Spatial Development Framework for the greater Happy Valley area will be completed by the end of the year.

Included in the framework are Bayworld and the adjacent bowling ground lease, the City Lodge site and adjacent parking area, the SANDF land and its phased release for beachfront-related development, and the impact of an International Conference Centre on the site of the Eastern Province Rugby Union stadium in La Roche Drive.

Source: Daily Dispatch