Background
In 2016, the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s mandate in Kariega was expanded to include management of the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre, and to unlock further development opportunities in the precinct.
Under this mandate, in 2024 the MBDA committed nearly half of its capital budget towards completing the Railway Sheds upgrade.
The project mirrors the successful Tramways redevelopment in the Baakens Valley in Gqeberha, where public investment helped attract private sector growth.
Once complete, the Kariega Railway Sheds will house a Small Business Incubation and Business Park, with flexible workspaces to support SMMEs and start-ups.
The scope of works for construction focused on refurbishing the footprint and shell of the structure of the railway sheds, keeping to its originality as it is classified as a heritage building.
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- Project Status: Current
- Project Value: R48-million
- Project Location: Kariega (the official new name for the industrial town formerly known as Uitenhage)
Construction figures:
- Estimated construction value: R48-million
- Percentage progress to date: 80%
- Percentage project expenditure to date: 75%
- Total number of EME/SMME appointments: Twenty (20), of which sixteen (16) have completed their packages, four (4) commencing with work. (+- 33% SMME expenditure)
- Job creation: 80 jobs created since commencement of the project
Projected outcome
It is the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s intention to develop a flexible, multi-use facility within the refurbished Railway Sheds.
The complex will accommodate multiple uses such as educational facilities, an events space, conference facilities, offices rentals, small business opportunities, and the extension of the existing Science and Technology Centre (situated next door, within the same complex).
Contact MBDA
Businesses wishing to find out more about opportunities in this development are encouraged to contact the MBDA via the secure form below:
