Graskop Gorge glass elevator project, South Africa

31st August 2018

By: Sheila Barradas

Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

     

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Name of the Project
Graskop Gorge glass elevator project.

Location
The project is located 1 km outside Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview, in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Client
Graskop Gorge Lift Company (GGLC).

Project Description
The project involves the construction of a 51-m-high viewing lift on Mpumalanga’s Panorama route. Once completed, the lift will transport visitors to the bottom of the gorge, where elevated walkways and suspension bridges will enable visitors to explore the rivers and forest while learning more about their surroundings from information boards.

The development will feature a restaurant and bar, a children’s play area, shops and a specially designed area for local craftspeople.

The second phase of the project will include a 40-bed boutique hotel.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Value
Funded by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the first phase of the centre cost R33.4-million to develop. Overall investment in the project will increase to about R150-million when the second phase is completed.

Duration
The centre opened in July this year.

Latest Developments
The Graskop Gorge Lift Centre was opened in July.

NEF CEO Philisiwe Mthethwa has said the destination has “every potential to become the most innovative tourism development in South Africa after liberation”.

Investors secured a 25-year contract with the local municipality, following a public procurement process, to develop the infrastructure and, subsequently, transform Graskop into a major tourism node.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has applauded the GGLC for enhancing the visitor experience, showcasing innovation in destination management and demonstrating broad-based benefits in the tourism sectors.

It is for this reason, he has said, that GGLC will receive R5-million for its next development through the Department of Tourism’s R120-million Tourism Transformation Fund.

“We need more projects such as this to enhance our tourism offerings so that South Africa can be more competitive as a tourist destination and, in the process, create more sustainable jobs for our people.”

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Lafarge (concrete) and Enzo Construction (concrete pour).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Graskop Gorge Lift Company, tel +27 66 305 1572 or email info@gglc.co.za.

 

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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