THE second phase of the Bulwer Park revitalisation project is almost complete, with the finishing touches being put on the newly built restaurant.
The restaurant and children’s play area was created following the conversion of the existing depot building within the park.
“The conversion is aimed creating a facility that will provide ablution facilities for park users in conjunction with the restaurant/café space,” said ward councillor, Mmabatho Tembe.
A major part of the old depot, which lies within the existing running track at the intersection of Ebor and Bath Roads, was demolished to make way for this modern structure.
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The facility includes public ablutions, a security office and a restaurant space with both indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking a terraced landscaped area.
“This is a very exciting development and the building is stunning!”
“This will bring a new vibe to the park with positive regeneration. I met with stakeholders last week and have been told the restaurant is open for tender and there are just a few items to clean up before it can open. I hope someone will be able to take up management of the restaurant soon as there are so many exciting things planned for this space,” she said.
The plan to upgrade the park was put into action in 2012 following years of public consultation and planning, and work on phase one, which included the multi-purpose foot path, outdoor gym, new lighting, benches, bins, cleaning up of playground equipment and drinking fountains.
Other work undertaken at the time included clearing up and securing the gatehouse as well as negotiations with KZN Heritage Society and AMAFA to start with the gatehouse restoration.
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The aim of the project is to create a multi-functional space that will encourage more people to use the park and link it to the Davenport precinct with its many restaurants as well as the KZNSA Art Gallery.
Future phases include a pedestrian boulevard which will be an open public area with new proposed commercial developments. KZNSA will open onto this area which will be the main centre of activity.
Plans are to revive the concept of a coffee shop at the gatehouse at the park.
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There is also a plan to create an amphitheatre or performance space close to the existing proposed multi-functional community facility (former Parks depot building), designed to reinforce the park environment.
Future developments include the creation of an attractive pedestrian movement system in the park through pathways. This will ‘stitch’ together the independent park zones into a single entity with a restored focus on pedestrians.
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