BIG HOLE
BIG HOLE PRECINCTKimberley Frances Baard DistrictPROJECT BACKGROUNDIn recent years, the Big Hole Precinct (BHP) hasbeen identified by the Northern Cape Provinceas a priority tourism development zone. Recentdevelopments in the BHP have caused a significantincrease in visitor figures to the area, which in turngenerates the need for further development.Development in the vicinity began in 2005 withthe comprehensive revamp of the Big HoleMuseum to the value of R50-million by the DeBeers Consolidated Diamond Mining Company,making it one of the best open-air museums byglobal comparison.In 2012, the Mittah Seperepere InternationalConvention Centre (MSICC) was officially launchedin the Big Hole Precinct. As one of the newestconvention centres in the country, the facility boastsa plenary capacity of 2 500 seats in addition to anopen-air arena which also accommodates 2 500delegates at capacity. In addition, the four-star ProteaHotel Kimberley was also built in close proximity,a facility that is being expanded at present due toincreased demand for luxury rooms.Furthermore, the Big Hole Caravan Park, formerlyknown as the Open Mine Municipal CaravanPark, is also located within the Big Hole Precinctadjacent to the MSICC. The park facilities comprisetent and caravan stands with 46 grassed sites withpower stands, as well as modern ablution facilitieswith hot water, laundry and scullery facilities. Thesite is currently managed by the Sol Plaatje LocalMunicipality.TARGETED SECTORS• Real estate• ConstructionDESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTFurther development of the Big Hole Precinct in Kimberleyto create design and attraction synergy between the BigHole Museum, Protea Hotel Kimberley, Mittah SeperepereInternational Convention Centre, Kumba Skate Plaza and FrancesBaard Flagship Visitor Centre.PROJECT FINANCE• Property Developers• Private InvestorsPROJECT STATUSConstruction is complete and the project is in operations phase.Precinct development and expansion is the next phase.GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND INCENTIVESIt is envisaged that the project will be financed by an investorwhile the government will ensure enabling infrastructure andvarious incentives as part of the project support.PARTNERSHIPS• Northern Cape Department of Public Works• Northern Cape Department of Economic Developmentand Tourism• Northern Cape Economic Development Agency• Sol Plaatje MunicipalityCONTACTSMs Jean Wilson: Chief Director TourismNorthern Cape Department of Economic Development and TourismTel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jwilson@ncpg.gov.zaMr Johann van Schalkwyk: Director: Tourism DevelopmentNorthern Cape Department of Economic Development and TourismTel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jvs.dtec@gmail.com
MAYIBUYEPRECINCTPROJECT LOCATIONGaleshewe, Frances Baard DistrictSome of the key attractions in the Mayibuye Precinct include:• Mayibuye Uprising Memorial in remembrance ofthe innocent victims who lost their lives during theMayibuye Uprising• Robert Sobukwe’s office where he practiced law• Aids Memorial in honour of all those who lost theirlives to Aids• Beer Hall site where the Mayibuye Uprising started• Abantu Batho Hall where Sol Plaatje gave his lastpublic lecture in 1932• First barber shop in GalesheweTARGETED SECTORS• Infrastructure• Real Estate• ConstructionDESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTThe project will entail the following elements:• Interpretation Centre (new style of museum)showcasing local history and culture and celebratingicons such as Robert Sobukwe and Kgoshi Galeshewe• Redevelopment of the Mayibuye Square as a majortourist magnet for Galeshewe• Restoration of Robert Sobukwe’s office to preserveand exhibit the life and the role he played in theliberation struggle• Development of the Entrance Arch to activate theprecinct, giving it a sense of place• Development of the Heroes Garden as a place ofhonour, reflection and especially remembrance ofthe fallen heroes and heroines of Galeshewe• Public library and resource centre, incorporatingmodern technology and resources• Arts and craft centre. Workshop facilities that willenable local artists to create their crafts• Parking area. Safe and secure parking facilitiesPARTNERSHIPS• Northern Cape Department of Public Works• Northern Cape Department of EconomicDevelopment and Tourism• Northern Cape Economic Development Agency• Sol Plaatje MunicipalityPROJECT BACKGROUNDThe Mayibuye Precinct was selected as it has greatpotential to be developed as a tourism attraction in thearea. The Mayibuye Precinct has many of the characteristicsof a successful tourism precinct such as the clustering ofseveral tourist attractions, it offers several tourism servicesand activities and gives tourists several reasons for visiting.It also allows for tourists and residents to interact.CONTACTSMs Jean Wilson: Chief Director TourismNorthern Cape Department of Economic Development and TourismTel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jwilson@ncpg.gov.zaMr Johann van Schalkwyk: Director: Tourism DevelopmentNorthern Cape Department of Economic Development and TourismTel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jvs.dtec@gmail.com
