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Media Release: SANParks proposals for Tokai Manor precinct
SANParks has appointed a team of experienced planning, environmental and heritage specialists to prepare the proposals. The consultant team is led by one of Cape Towns” leading planners, Derek Chittenden, (“BlueGreen” planning+design) and includes landscape architects (Viridian); traffic specialists (Trafficon) and engineers (de Villiers Sheard) with Trevor Thorold as the heritage architect and specialist.
The planning process to date has involved preparing a detailed Baseline Study; workshops with recreational user groups (cyclists, horse riders, dog walkers etc); discussions with heritage, local and provincial authorities; preparing a heritage statement and drafting a variety of proposals for the precinct. These will be presented for comment at the Open Day.
SANParks sees the precinct becoming an important multi-purpose “gateway” into the Park accommodating both heritage and biodiversity conservation as well as recreational and tourism opportunities.
Park Manager, Paddy Gordon says it is an exciting step forward for the Park as Tokai Manor has long been identified as its future head office and as a major gateway into the Park. “We have already made great strides in securing the long term agreement with Province for the Manor House and with the upgrade of the braai site which is currently well underway”.
Two priority projects have already been identified. These are the upgrade of the TMNP section of Tokai Road (from the Zwaanswyk Road turn off) to the Manor House and the relocation of TMNP”s head office from Westlake to the precinct. R11 million has been secured by SANParks from the National Department of Environmental Affairs” Infrastructure Development Fund for these priority projects.
The site for the new TMNP offices will be identified through the precinct plan process. Whilst this is underway, the TMNP Westlake office will move into Tokai Manor and adjacent buildings in March 2012. These will serve as interim offices until the new offices are ready.
The Tokai Manor Precinct Plan public open day will take place on Tuesday, 7th February 2012 from 16h00 to 19h00 at Tokai Manor.
Issued by / Media Queries:
Wanika Rusthoi, Public Relations Officer: Cape Region
South African National Parks
Tel: (021) 701 8692, 072 060 8188
Email:[email protected]