Dynamic plans laid out for new era in urban development

The main towns of the Klein Karoo and Garden Route have unveiled their blueprints for the future, ahead of the upcoming Southern Cape Business Prospects Conference at Knysna in November.

CBD renewal, urban redevelopment, multi-million rand resorts, new hotels, refurbished beachfronts and waterfronts, new residential housing estates, public-private community projects, a "wireless" town, a Sporting Hall of Fame, game reserves and cableways are all on the list.
The five sub-regional municipalities within the Eden District Council authority - Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay - are on active campaigns to attract inward investment to the region. The towns are offering a tempting array of incentives and investment opportunities, many of which will be on display at the conference.
Starting on Page 13, you can read about the towns and their visions for the future. Some of what you'll find:
Mossel Bay. The beachfront will never be the same again, as this historic harbour town launches a major redevelopment drive to establish itself as an economic leader in the region.
Knysna. Will Knysna become South Africa's first "wireless" town, and will it become home to the country's greatest sports stars?
Oudtshoorn. The city fathers are offering a plate of incentives to investors that make the capital of the Klein Karoo the new Eldorado of the Southern Cape.
Plettenberg Bay. The Jewel of the Garden Route, as the town likes to be known, still sparkles, but this thrusting cosmopolis is facing growing pains
George. George calls up all its available resources to cope with The Presidents Cup and the region's main airport stands by for an invasion of visitors.
Conference details can be found on Page 13.

By Peter Schafer