BIG HOLE PRECINCT
BIG HOLE PRECINCT Kimberley Frances Baard District PROJECT BACKGROUND In recent years, the Big Hole Precinct (BHP) has been identified by the Northern Cape Province as a priority tourism development zone. Recent developments in the BHP have caused a significant increase in visitor figures to the area, which in turn generates the need for further development. Development in the vicinity began in 2005 with the comprehensive revamp of the Big Hole Museum to the value of R50-million by the De Beers Consolidated Diamond Mining Company, making it one of the best open-air museums by global comparison. In 2012, the Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre (MSICC) was officially launched in the Big Hole Precinct. As one of the newest convention centres in the country, the facility boasts a plenary capacity of 2 500 seats in addition to an open-air arena which also accommodates 2 500 delegates at capacity. In addition, the four-star Protea Hotel Kimberley was also built in close proximity, a facility that is being expanded at present due to increased demand for luxury rooms. Furthermore, the Big Hole Caravan Park, formerly known as the Open Mine Municipal Caravan Park, is also located within the Big Hole Precinct adjacent to the MSICC. The park facilities comprise tent and caravan stands with 46 grassed sites with power stands, as well as modern ablution facilities with hot water, laundry and scullery facilities. The site is currently managed by the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality. TARGETED SECTORS • Real estate • Construction DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT Further development of the Big Hole Precinct in Kimberley to create design and attraction synergy between the Big Hole Museum, Protea Hotel Kimberley, Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre, Kumba Skate Plaza and Frances Baard Flagship Visitor Centre. PROJECT FINANCE • Property Developers • Private Investors PROJECT STATUS Construction is complete and the project is in operations phase. Precinct development and expansion is the next phase. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND INCENTIVES It is envisaged that the project will be financed by an investor while the government will ensure enabling infrastructure and various incentives as part of the project support. PARTNERSHIPS • Northern Cape Department of Public Works • Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism • Northern Cape Economic Development Agency • Sol Plaatje Municipality CONTACTS Ms Jean Wilson: Chief Director Tourism Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Tel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jwilson@ncpg.gov.za Mr Johann van Schalkwyk: Director: Tourism Development Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Tel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jvs.dtec@gmail.com
MAYIBUYE PRECINCT PROJECT LOCATION Galeshewe, Frances Baard District Some of the key attractions in the Mayibuye Precinct include: • Mayibuye Uprising Memorial in remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives during the Mayibuye Uprising • Robert Sobukwe’s office where he practiced law • Aids Memorial in honour of all those who lost their lives to Aids • Beer Hall site where the Mayibuye Uprising started • Abantu Batho Hall where Sol Plaatje gave his last public lecture in 1932 • First barber shop in Galeshewe TARGETED SECTORS • Infrastructure • Real Estate • Construction DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT The project will entail the following elements: • Interpretation Centre (new style of museum) showcasing local history and culture and celebrating icons such as Robert Sobukwe and Kgoshi Galeshewe • Redevelopment of the Mayibuye Square as a major tourist magnet for Galeshewe • Restoration of Robert Sobukwe’s office to preserve and exhibit the life and the role he played in the liberation struggle • Development of the Entrance Arch to activate the precinct, giving it a sense of place • Development of the Heroes Garden as a place of honour, reflection and especially remembrance of the fallen heroes and heroines of Galeshewe • Public library and resource centre, incorporating modern technology and resources • Arts and craft centre. Workshop facilities that will enable local artists to create their crafts • Parking area. Safe and secure parking facilities PARTNERSHIPS • Northern Cape Department of Public Works • Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism • Northern Cape Economic Development Agency • Sol Plaatje Municipality PROJECT BACKGROUND The Mayibuye Precinct was selected as it has great potential to be developed as a tourism attraction in the area. The Mayibuye Precinct has many of the characteristics of a successful tourism precinct such as the clustering of several tourist attractions, it offers several tourism services and activities and gives tourists several reasons for visiting. It also allows for tourists and residents to interact. CONTACTS Ms Jean Wilson: Chief Director Tourism Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Tel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jwilson@ncpg.gov.za Mr Johann van Schalkwyk: Director: Tourism Development Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Tel: 053 839 4000 | Email: jvs.dtec@gmail.com
