GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - After more than a decade of neglect, the dilapidated old swimming pool in Cradock Street finally appears to be on the road to recovery.
Dr Eldrid Uithaler, chief executive officer of the Cacadu District Development Agency, confirmed on Tuesday 25 February that the agency purchased the property from the municipality last year after it was advertised.
The property was registered in the agency's name in August, when they officially took ownership.
At present, a contractor is cleaning the premises.
As soon as this is done, the agency aims to bring in investors to see what they can offer in terms of developing the entire property.
"We opted for what is called a turnkey solution, which technically means that the developers will be required to do everything from conception to completion. . . . . The agency will provide them with a long-term lease for their development.
Long-term leases extend for more than 10 years and are normally registered with the deeds office.
This will give developers some form of collateral to invest their money because, in a sense, they become co-owners of the property for the lease period."
Uithaler says this decision was made to contribute to the financial sustainability of the agency while stimulating development and creating job opportunities in Graaff-Reinet.
Developers to inspect property
Uithaler explains that they will have an on-site meeting with potential developers on 4 March.
"We have no idea what the developers' proposals will be, but what we do know is that tourism is big in Graaff-Reinet, so anything that leans towards a mixed-use tourism development will satisfy us," he said.
The agency also discussed the redevelopment of the caravan park, as they would love to incorporate it into the redevelopment of the old swimming pool.
They will then be looking at the development of an interactive recreational park that will offer a whole range of opportunities.
"Unfortunately, the caravan park does not belong to the agency; it still belongs to the municipality, so it is not our decision to make.
However, we are hoping to enter into discussions with the municipality and that they would consider it to be viable."
Uithaler says their primary objective is to attract a younger generation of tourists to Graaff-Reinet.
They also hope that the development of the old swimming pool will become a catalyst for other businesses to start developing in Graaff-Reinet.
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