Kouga – Kouga Municipality is extending an open invitation to interested and affected parties to join in the revitalisation of the St Francis Bay Central Business District (CBD) and the Hankey Central Business District (CBD).

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the municipality would over the next few months be compiling precincts plans. This as part of the Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF). Thus to steer the growth and development of the St Francis Bay CBD and the Hankey CBD.

Breathe New Life

“The aim is to breathe new life into the region’s economy by making the areas more attractive to investors, businesses, residents and visitors,” he said.

“Similar plans are being compiled for the Jeffreys Bay CBD and Humansdorp CBD, creating a cohesive precinct plant as part of the municipality’s commitment to keep Kouga growing.”

Local Spatial Development Framework

Three key strategic projects have been identified for the St Francis Bay CBD.

The first project involves the comprehensive upgrade of St Francis Drive. This will will feature the creation of a boulevard with green verges, a non-motorised transport (NMT) route, and a continuous line of trees. Additionally, the upgrade will include appealing street lighting and furniture, various pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures.

The second initiative involves the development of a Village Green. This is an open space designed to host a range of sporting activities, recreational areas, and conservation zones. Well-planned pedestrian linkages will ensure seamless connectivity with nearby business areas. This will foster increased activity and engagement.

The final initiative involves creating pedestrian-friendly urban spaces by reducing oversized parking areas, establishing pedestrian movement zones, and incorporating sustainable urban drainage solutions.

Hankey Projects

For the Hankey CBD, four strategic projects have been identified.

The first project involves upgrading North Street, which includes extending non-motorised transport (NMT) sidewalks from the CBD to the Sarah Baartman Memorial site.

The second initiative focuses on creating gateways by enhancing landscaping around the Sarah Baartman Memorial site entrance and constructing a clip-on NMT bridge over the Gamtoos River.

The third project aims to develop and implement a landscape plan for Hankey Central Park.

The final project involves finalising and implementing a tourism walking route that links various attractions. This will include tree planting, signage, and sidewalk paving.

“Potential economic benefits include enhanced property values and an increase in business and employment opportunities,” said Bornman. “However, we cannot achieve this without partnering with the community, as well as public and private roleplayers.”

He emphasised that input from businesses and residents is crucial to the success of the revival. “We strongly encourage all interested and affected parties to register as stakeholders.”

Community invited to participate

Public participation meetings will be held as follows.

St Francis Bay CBD: 6 August 2024 at 10:00 to 12:00 at the St Francis Bay Bowling Club.

Hankey CBD:6 August 2024 at 14:00 to 16:00 at the Weston Community Hall.

The draft LSDF for the St Francis Bay CBD and the Hankey CBD is available for inspection on the Kouga Municipality website at www.kouga.gov.za.

Inquiries and comments/objections on the LSDF should be directed in writing to Jacobus Marais at jmarais@kouga.gov.za within a period of 60 days from the publication of the notice (25 July 2024). Along with the contact details of the person commenting/objecting.

See also: Kouga Municipality declares economic state of disaster