MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Builders and other contractors are hard at work to finish the refurbishment of facilities at what used to be the premises of the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club. In its place the doors of the Mossel Bay Waterfront will officially open soon.
This follows protracted court proceedings after a decision of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Committee in terms of which a tender for the premises occupied by the yacht club was awarded to Mossel Bay Waterfront Company (Pty) Ltd.
Waterfront company director Albe Durand is optimistic the premises will attract more of the general public and especially tourists, whereas before it was for the exclusive use of a few card-carrying members.
"We hope to see locals and tourists alike enjoy probably the best north-facing view across the bay. The refurbishment should be done by the end of March, just in time for the Easter holidays," Durand told the Mossel Bay Advertiser. Evident are the open gates to the facilities and a general welcoming atmosphere with visitors to town already having their takeaway meals on the quayside.
The Waterfront Company still offers paid membership and exclusive use of facilities to their members, albeit at a reduced rate and Durand says they have had a steady flow of membership applications.
"Members will be offered telemetric access to the exclusive use facilities such as the members' bar. A separate entrance for the general public will allow unhindered access to the restaurant and certain other facilities.
"The restaurant will be run by a restaurateur from the Southern Cape," Durand said.
He emphasises the importance of safety and parking and says plans are proceeding well with TNPA to have the existing parking on the quay extended this year, with additional lighting provided and additional parking space being made available. "We will make wheelchair access to the restaurant available for the first time."
Facilities at the premises were stripped of many of the old fittings; even the shower heads were removed from the showers.
The Waterfront Company is rebuilding the bar and has plans to extend the deck for an open air experience when visiting the restaurant.
An office away from the office with exceptional views, a smaller bar and a small conference facility will also be on offer.
Durand says the Waterfront Company had constructive talks with the commanding officer of the TS Outeniqua Sea Cadets and that they were ensured the future use of the facilities.
He said a similar discussion was held with the Learn to Sail School and the Skipper Foundation that continue to use the premises.
"Soon it will be business as usual, however with much-improved facilities," Durand concluded.
Waterfront Company director Albe Durand at the new bar being built.
Indicative of the new approach are the gates that are open to the public at the Mossel Bay Waterfront Company premises.
It was a hive of activity at the Mossel Bay Waterfront Company on Wednesday as contestants in the Fishing World Games used the facilities.
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