CBD project to get off the ground
2009-07-30
THE Drakenstein Municipality is in the final stages of finalising the rezoning of the central business district (CBD) of Paarl which could see a major upgrade for the area. The project to rezone the central business district of Paarl between Main Street and Verster Street (from Van der Lingento Bethel Street) aims to kick-start a process of redevelopment in the area. It includes the proposed redevelopment of the southern section of Patriot Square (corner of Van der Lingen and Derksen Street) for retail purposes. The lease agreements for the parking areas as well as the retail area on Patriot Square have almost been completed. Last Thursday the mayoral committee was informed of the progress so that members of the committtee could have an overview of the current draft lease agreements and to ascertain whether they were still on the right track. The useage agreement for the top part of Lady Grey Street is also being finalised, but no detail was given. In their discussion Marius de Jager, attorney for Drakenstein Municipality, told the committee that parking in Lady Grey Street would be controlled and that the streets will remain public streets. “The property will remain council’s property and 30 to 50 year leases will be part of the contracts. A few minor issues in the lease agreements must still be finalised,” he said. “It will be ready for council’s approval at the August council meeting. “Due to the fact that this is a public private partnership, the agreements must also be submitted to National Treasury for approval,” he added. Mayor Charmaine Manuel said that this was almost the end of a long road. The project entails a blanket rezoning of all the properties falling with the redevelopment area as a facilitating step in a concerted effort by landowners and the Municipality (a public-private partnership) to revitalise the Paarl CBD. There are also plans to centralise informal street traders in a formal trading area.
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