FORT FREDERICK PREPARATIONS SIGNAL PROGRESS ON BAAKENS ZIPLINE PROJECT
FORT FREDERICK PREPARATIONS SIGNAL PROGRESS ON BAAKENS ZIPLINE PROJECT
Fort Frederick fencing preparations by the MBDA mark the start of a new chapter in the development of Nelson Mandela Bay’s inner-city tourism offering.
The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has commenced on site preparations for the R15 million Baakens Zipline project, a key tourism initiative that will connect Fort Frederick with the Lower Baakens Valley and create a unique adventure experience in the heart of Nelson Mandela Bay. The first phase of work includes the replacement of perimeter fencing at Fort Frederick to improve security and accessibility, while helping to prevent illegal dumping and protect the historic precinct. Cleaning, clearing and other security-related activities are also underway as the Mandela Bay Development Agency prepares the area for future development.
The fencing at Fort Frederick is similar to the fencing installed along St George’s Park in Park Drive. The design and colour were coordinated with the City’s Parks Department to ensure alignment with fencing elsewhere in the city, with the St George’s Park fencing used as a reference for achieving a similar look and feel at the fort. Gates have been incorporated along the vehicular access route to ensure that the Fire Department can continue to access the valley in an emergency. Ongoing upkeep will be coordinated with the City, with particular attention paid to keeping the gates and access routes available for emergency use.
The zipline project forms part of the broader Baakens Valley development vision, which seeks to unlock the tourism, leisure, environmental and heritage potential of the precinct while encouraging visitors to spend more time in the city centre. The MBDA’s Baakens Masterplan, commissioned in 2014, identified opportunities to revitalise the Lower Baakens Valley through the development of public spaces, tourism facilities and supporting infrastructure. A feasibility study and business plan for the zipline were subsequently undertaken in 2019, with the route selected to link two key nodes: Fort Frederick and the Lower Baakens Valley.
The proposed attraction is intended to offer locals and visitors an accessible adventure experience that combines panoramic views, the natural beauty of the valley and the rich history of the surrounding area.
Beyond the zipline itself, the development vision includes supporting infrastructure such as walkways, parking, amenities, utilities and service areas. Plans also provide for facilities to support operations and enhance the visitor experience, including opportunities to showcase the historical significance of Fort Frederick, South End and the development of Gqeberha around the Baakens Valley.
The current site preparations represent an important step towards improving the precinct and laying the groundwork for its future activation. Addressing longstanding challenges relating to cleaning, maintenance and security is an integral part of the MBDA’s approach to developing the area.Through this project, the MBDA aims to strengthen Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism offering and create new reasons for visitors to explore the inner city. The Baakens Zipline is one component of the broader effort to protect, improve and activate the city’s public and heritage spaces, ensuring that these areas can increasingly serve residents, visitors and future generations.
