Propnet has invited interested parties to submit expressions of interest for developing the earmarked property on a long-term leasehold basis.

The 35527m² property is adjacent to the port.

Propnet, a division of Transnet, advertised its invitations recently and said an inquiry document providing information on the terms and conditions pertaining to the development opportunities would be available from Propnet. It is not the first time Propnet has advertised the same area of land for development.

Project co-ordinator Matie Stander says about four years ago the area was advertised and a developer selected. However, the developer had problems attracting investors and the development did not go ahead.

Stander says the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront success in Cape Town has led Propnet to pursue the possibility of a waterfront development in Mossel Bay.

Propnet was intimately involved in the waterfront development in Knysna and says that development is working well. Stander says much interest has been shown in the waterfront plan. Propnet initially prepared 20 sets of inquiry documents and all were sold on the first day.

Mossel Bay mayor Andre Nel says the time is right for a waterfront in the town and the council is "delighted" that the waterfront development precinct has been advertised again.

"Mossel Bay is the fastestgrowing town in the southern Cape, if not the Western Cape. Residential prices have doubled in the past year and the estate agents tell me there is a shortage of homes in Mossel Bay. The demand exceeds what is on offer," says Nel. The council is also busy with a coastal development programme in the old caravan park areas of De Bakke and Santos.

"We have already appointed a facilitator to facilitate the development. It will entail a self-catering resort area, single residential homes and a commercial development area, which will be adjacent to Santos Beach at the old power station site."

Nel says the council will also soon start implementing its urban renewal plan.

"We are addressing the parking problem in town by locating areas where we need to put more parking down."

Oct 01 2003 07:49:19:000AM Nick Wilson Business Day 1st Edition