An underutilised marine quarry at the Port of East London is getting a R147-million facelift as TNPA moves to drive regional economic growth.
The long-awaited Latimer’s Landing redevelopment is aimed at boosting tourism within the port precinct, in line with TNPA’s “Reinvent for Growth” Strategy. It aims to unlock business, tourism and leisure opportunities, including those linked to the ocean economy.
“This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries,” commented TNPA acting chief executive Phyllis Difeto. “It aligns with our strategic goal of positioning the port within the tourism sector by integrating port operations with the leisure market.”
TNPA said the venture had already resulted in 44 new jobs, with others expected over the 24-month construction period scheduled to finish in April 2027.
Latimer’s Landing on the Buffalo river has a rich history, once home to a famous jetty where the prehistoric coelacanth fish was brought to shore. In 2019 TNPA was granted permission to demolish the jetty which had become degraded. At the time a cam-dock floating jetty was used as an interim measure to accommodate boating charter companies to continue operating.