KARIEGA – The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) announced its flagship urban renewal projects in Kariega, one of them being the Kariega Railway Sheds located in the heart of Kariega CBD.
In 2016, the MBDA’s mandate was expanded in Kariega to unlock further developmental opportunities in the region.
With this mandate in mind, the Agency committed nearly half of its capital budget to completing the upgrade of the old Railway Sheds in 2024, with work progressing throughout the year.
According to the MBDA, upon completion, the Kariega Railway Sheds will house a Small Business Incubation and Business Park with flexible workspace to support SMMEs and start-ups.
At a progress inspection conducted last week at the Railway Sheds, MBDA CEO Anele Qaba shared, “Kariega often feels like a stepchild, with most of the projects and budget allocations made for the Gqeberha area. The development agency in the last financial year made a decision to allocate a bigger chunk of its budget, with almost 50% of it allocated to this project, which is the Railway Sheds.”
He added that, in light of the need that has been identified for creating an exhibition hall, similar to the one in the Tramways building, “we saw an opportunity in this old, dilapidated Railway Sheds structure, and we envisioned revamping and reviving it as a building that could contribute to the regional economy. When residents want to have exhibitions and events, they won’t have to travel all the way from here to Gqeberha anymore. They will now have their own events and exhibition space, which we hope will contribute to the tourism industry in this particular area.”
Qaba also said that they hoped to expand and continue developing the other sheds to create a functional science, innovation and technology park in this particular area, which will also support the auto sector that has been facing significant challenges in this particular area.
“The only way we can supplement or support what is happening in this particular area is to create practical examples such as the business events space, which will assist everyone. Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, or an exhibition that needs to happen in this particular area, there is a venue that will be able to host it.
“Additionally, there’s an area that will be allocated for small businesses, which will also assist the businesses in this particular area by providing a working space; in that way we will be able to contribute to the SMME sector in Kariega,” Qaba concluded.
The MBDA shared that guests enjoyed seeing the progress up close and were especially interested in the construction work, which has preserved the original outer brickwork of this heritage building. Once finished, the refurbished sheds will offer flexible spaces for education, events, conferences, office rentals, and small business development, creating a tech and innovation complex with the neighbouring Science and Technology Centre.
Construction on the Railway Sheds began in April 2024 and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The project has created 80 jobs and engaged 20 SMMEs, with 33% of its spending directed to emerging enterprises to date.
The total investment is R48 million. The space is now 80% complete and already showing signs of what’s to come: a flexible, multi-use hub for education, events, small businesses, and more.
According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, this initiative aims to:
- Preserve and modernise the metro’s rich heritage whilst maintaining its cultural character.
- Support local businesses and SMMEs by creating new, affordable working and trading spaces.
- Stimulate the local economy by attracting exhibitions, events, and tourism to Kariega.
- Revitalise the local community through inclusive urban renewal that creates jobs and opportunities.
Once completed, the Kariega Railway Sheds will stand as a symbol of urban renewal and local pride, where history, culture, and enterprise come together to build a more vibrant and economically active Kariega.
