Move for new council chamber

Port Elizabeth main Post Office in Govan Mbeki Street, is the regional headquarters of the Post Office in the Eastern Cape.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has been given the nod to investigate the possibility of building a new council chamber in the old Port Elizabeth Post Office building.

The idea of the new chambers, mooted by the MBDA, could further enhance urban renewal in Port Elizabeth’s CBD.

In a report to the economic development, tourism and agriculture portfolio committee, which met yesterday, the MBDA states that the idea is to buy the old building from property mogul Ken Denton, along with the parking area across from Newspaper House in Baakens Street.

The idea, although still in its infancy, could see a bigger council chamber with boardrooms and offices.

The MBDA wants to link the City Hall, Feather Market Centre, Nonizi Luzipho building, the old Wool Exchange, the old Post Office building and the proposed multi-level parking facility with ground level bridges.

The portfolio committee agreed to the recommendation that the MBDA investigate the matter, subject to approval by the corporate services portfolio committee.