New bridge for waterfront access
The landmark Steel Bridge will become a two-way contemporary bridge in the near future.
THE landmark steel bridge leading to the Tuzi Gazi waterfront and Naval Island is set to be replaced by a modern two-way bridge.
The uMhlathuze City Council on Tuesday awarded the tender for the conceptual redesign of the Richards Bay Waterfront Steel Bridge to Iyer Urban Design Studio at a cost of R492 936.
Led by an integrated team of specialists, including an architect and urban design team, the architectural bridge design will consider the future aesthetic view of the proposed Richards Bay Waterfront Development and will take 12 months to complete.
The urban design team has been involved with key iconic projects in the province, namely the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Umhlanga pier design and the Durban Point Waterfront precinct.
‘The Iyer Urban Design Studio has a proven track record and the capability of producing a world-class design,’ said the report, which surfaced before Council.
‘This appraisal is augmented by international recognition and South African award winning designs the firm has acclaimed.
‘The Mzingazi Canal is also symbolic of being an interface of ‘land-meets-water’ and would accordingly require a creative bridge design that captures elements of eco-tone.
‘The architects are convincing candidates of producing a design befitting of this prime location,’ the report said.
Waterfront
Meanwhile, progress on the Richards Bay Waterfront Development is also gaining momentum as township establishment is being finalised for precincts with refined boundaries.
Emulating the likes of the popular V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, the precincts include the Mzingazi Canal, Central Waterfront and Waterfront Park.
The Mzingazi Canal precinct entails the previous casino site and has been earmarked for mixed use commercial use (retail and offices), hotel/resorts, entertainment, tourism and recreation.
Water dependent sporting facilities, entertainment, retail, hotels and resorts will be accommodated in the Central Waterfront, which is already home to the NSRI, Blind Canal and yacht club among others.
The Waterfront Park comprising the Bay Hall area and Pelican Island will be preserved for general public access boasting recreation and tourism facilities including a Botanical Park, walkways and promenades.
