THERE’S a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the vacant coffee shop site at Bulwer Park. Ward 33 councillor Mmabatho Tembe said she was recently been informed that progress was being made regarding the future of the building.
The building in Bulwer Park has been standing empty for more than three years, raising questions from residents about possible occupancy of the site.
Responding to queries, Tembe said: “I recently received a response from the Head of Real Estate regarding when the building will go to tender. According to the response, Real Estate is submitting its new standard bid documents to the bid specification committee in line with the approved policy for adoption, which was done recently, and once adopted, Real Estate will then proceed to advertise.” She added that they had promised to keep her updated on the progress.
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Tembe said she hoped this process would be resolved soon as this was an issue she had dealt with since becoming a councillor in the ward. She said the building had stood empty since before she was elected.
Previously, Heather Roos of Umbilo CPF chair, said residents were concerned that the process was taking too long and there were concerns that the site could be targeted by vandals.
Tembe said she had also requested that the toilets be left open for park users, but her request had been denied.
“There is a security guard on site to ensure the building is secure and protected from vandalism. Part of the walkway outside the property has however caved away, seemingly during recent heavy rains. I will follow up with the Parks district manager for a timeline on when this will be fixed,” she said.
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