Vision for a ‘must-see’ Bayworld
US consultant envisages eco-driven redevelopment and state-of-the-art aquarium to boost regional economy
A US-based management consultant has drawn up a redevelopment plan for Bayworld that envisages rejuvenating the beleaguered complex via an innovative multiple stakeholder funding system.
Franco Eleuteri’s “New Bayworld” concept document outlines a R500m project including a high-end eco-hotel and a state-of-the-art aquarium with an underwater tunnel, and the repurposing of McArthur Baths to form a physical link to the sea.
The project could provide multiple benefits, he said on a visit to his old hometown.
“Bayworld could be an amazing showcase for the unique environment and history of the metro and Algoa Bay.
“This project would turn Bayworld into a world-class must-see venue that would boost conservation, tourism, jobs and the economy of both the city and the region.”
Eleuteri grew up in Port Elizabeth. His father, Otello, was the honorary Italian consul.
Otello’s construction company Jonant also built the original aquarium, museum and snake park that made up the then Port Elizabeth Museum.
Having studied at the University of Cape Town and then settled in Dallas in the US, Eleuteri returned after many years and had an epiphany.
“I realised Bayworld had to be recreated, as part of an overall plan, capitalising on the assets of the bay, its eco-environment – sea, beaches, river mouths, conservation areas and game parks – and its history and culture,” he said.
“It could be a progressive location balancing conservation and economic development, stimulating tourism and creating much-needed jobs.”
Eleuteri established Franco Eleuteri & Associates 14 years ago and the company has undertaken projects around the world from the US and South America to the Far and Middle East, Australia, Russia, Europe and Africa including a new logistics park in Johannesburg.
He said he had completed initial discussions with possible stakeholders in the metro before drawing up the New Bayworld concept document.
According to this document, an eco-hotel would be introduced, modelled on developments in Singapore, Dubai and Nashville in the US.
It would be established as a separate business entity and capitalise on its location overlooking Algoa Bay “while being an integral part of the aquatic experience”.
“Restaurant areas and selected suites would have a beneath-the-ocean experience by providing direct visual interface with a large aquarium.
“Advances in the uses of concrete, fibreglass-reinforced plastic and acrylic tanks will enable the creation of viewing windows and tunnels for a deep-ocean experience where visitors can completely immerse themselves in the aquarium experience.”
The multi-level view of the bay from the hotel would be complemented by a courtyard, auditorium and pier on the seaward side of Beach Road, on the McArthur Baths site.
The pier would be a rehabilitation backbone accommodating pens for treated and recovering marine animals and this would in turn be linked to research laboratory space.
“The pier will also enable small boats access for Bayworld-motivated activities, while providing an outlet-inlet for seawater used in the tanks.”
Eleuteri said Disneyworld developments were losing ground around the world whereas conservation-driven entities focusing on unique habitats were flourishing.
The aim for Bayworld would be that money from visitors checking into the eco-hotel and dining at on-site restaurants would offset the R500m capital cost of the project.
It would help also to run the education and research arms.
The estimate formulated around the 40,000 tourists who visited the Addo Elephant National Park annually and an extra night’s stay in Port Elizabeth meant that about R331m direct and indirect spend could be generated a year, he said.
Further funding would come from corporate sponsorships and ramping up fees for foreign tourists, among others.
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