MOSSEL BAY NEWS - News going around of a proposed 42m high observation wheel or Ferris wheel at the Point in Mossel Bay has been met with mixed feelings.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser was given a copy of the application document submitted to the Mossel Bay Municipality last week, detailing the project.
The Mossel Bay Municipality, on enquiry confirmed that a request for the establishment of the observation (Ferris) wheel had been received."
"The request is being considered and as soon as the council has made a decision in this regard, more information will be made available," said municipal spokesperson Nickey le Roux.
According to the document, approval is requested for the observation wheel in the Point Caravan Park on Point Road. Once completed, the observation wheel, according to the proposal document, will be similar to the wheel at the Cape Town Waterfront.
Mika Lutchman, a director of the Point Caravan Resort Pty (Ltd), who is the applicant, confirmed on enquiry that an application had been submitted to the
municipality, but that no formal feedback had been received as yet.
"We expect that it will be tabled at a coming council meeting."
An artist's impression of the proposed observation wheel at the Point, according to the application papers presented to the Mossel Bay Municipality.
'Extensive research'
She continued that extensive research had been done and that the services of experts had been acquired in the development of the proposal.
"We believe this proposal proves our personal commitment to the community, not only in terms of the economic development of the town, but also the post Covid-19 economic turnaround and recovery of Mossel Bay. This will undoubtedly be a huge attraction to feature Mossel Bay at the forefront among destinations on the Garden Route."
Apart from residents in the Point area, representatives of Heritage Mossel Bay also raised their concerns. They are troubled about the visual impact of such a huge construction.
"The Point is the crown jewel of Mossel Bay and we are very concerned that an observation wheel will have a negative visual impact on the majestic site of the ocean, the St Blaize Cave and lighthouse, the Poort and War Memorial. The proposed construction will also detract from the Point's sense of place as a unique heritage site."
Heritage Mossel Bay also advised that given the already high density of development at the Point, further development could have an adverse effect, causing over commercialisation as well as intensifying the traffic and parking congestion.
Lutchman said the project was still in the early planning phase and reiterated that all due processes were being followed to get the green light.
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