BELMONT TERRACE & BIRD STREET PRECINCT ENVIRONMENTAL UPGRADING

The environmental upgrading of the Donkin Reserve has been about creating an activity space that means something to all residents of the city.

One of the newest projects of the MBDA, is the exciting rejuvenation of the area around Bird Street and Belmont Terrace. It forms part of the phased upgrading of the Central area of Port Elizabeth. After the upgrading of the Donkin Reserve, Parliament Street, Govan Mbeki Street and Strand Street, it is now the turn of Bird Street/ Belmont Terrace.

This area is bursting at the seams with history: there are iconic heritage buildings, such as the recently renovated Athenaeum and the PE Club – and many PE citizens have fond memories of living or working in the area.

But the upgrade is not only about preserving history; it is as much about enjoying the present and creating a great place for the future. Since the area links with the Donkin Reserve and Art-Route 67, arts and culture take centre stage. Already a wide range of artists live, work or display in the area. After the upgrade, an artistic and cultural vibe will set the tone.

The Process
Before the actual upgrading can begin, the MBDA invites input from different groups of users – people who live, work or have an interest in the area. A parallel process has started to study the heritage and the arts and culture functions of the area.

Ideas from these processes will all be carefully considered by the designers when they start working on concrete proposals for upgrading. When the best design has emerged, the physical upgrading can begin!

Social facilitation process
The MBDA invites people who would like to give their views on the upgrading of Belmont Terrace/ Bird Street to participate. This social facilitation process mirrors the design process across four project phases: explore – create – test – present. In every phase people can participate, in different ways.

Who can participate?
We are looking for a wide range of inputs, from land- and business owners to church members, community and youth organizations, and others who have an interest in the area.

Specific interest groups will be approached for interviews, focus group discussions and design sessions. But we'd also like to hear from members of the general public. Interested people can participate through a survey, an open forum at the Athenaeum and public presentations. A photo-voice exercise is planned to connect with hard-to-reach groups.

This page will keep you informed about the process. We will share comments, photos, design ideas and ask questions for discussion. You can tell us about your use of the area, what you value and what you dislike – and what changes you would like to see.

How can I participate?
If you have a direct interest in the area (you live or work there, own property or use the area intensively), you can participate in one of the focus group discussions. These are organized per interest group.

If you are an interested member of the general public, you can register for participation. Click here to take survey. Click here to visit our facebook page. If there is anything else you'd like to share with us, you can do that here. We appreciate all input!