Mandela Bay Development Agency to launch science and innovation hub in historic Kariega Railway Sheds

Killing two birds with one stone, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has expanded its Science and Technology centre in the heart of the metro’s industrial hub while breathing new life into a historic landmark in the central business district of Kariega.

The Kariega Railway Sheds was once the beating heart of the region’s rail network, housing the maintenance and repair workshops responsible for the upkeep of passenger and freight trains across Nelson Mandela Bay.

However, decades ago, these operations were moved elsewhere, leaving the sheds to deteriorate at the hands of time and vandals.

In 2013, the municipality developed a section of the old structures to house the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre, a venue for education and training programmes.

In 2016, the MBDA took over operations and earmarked the adjacent structures to expand the key purpose of the initial centre.

And now, R48-million later, the Kariega Railway Sheds will be the latest state-of-the-art addition to the town’s science, technology and innovation hub.

Speaking at a media event at the construction site, MBDA CEO Anele Qaba said there were big plans for the centre upon completion next year.

“The people of Kariega complained that nothing even happens in their part of the metro. Their cries were heard, and we allocated nearly half of our capital budget to make this project happen,” Qaba said.

He said the project mirrored the vision they had when restoring the Tramways Building, yet another landmark in the Baakens Valley of Gqeberha, which houses the MBDA offices.

“As the MBDA, we are slowly becoming specialists in restoring these historic buildings in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“Like Tramways, this precinct experienced major issues related to vagrants and vandalism, but now we are proudly breathing new life into them,” Qaba said.

The project began in April 2024, and great care has been taken to take the building’s historic design into account. Being more than 60 years old, the Sheds are considered heritage buildings, meaning that as much as possible of the original design and appearance needed to be preserved during the revamp.

This included the original brickwork – particularly around the windows and arches where trains once entered and left the workshops – timber lintels and support beams above doors and walkways, and even the old steel hinges that held the workshop doors, even if they served no modern function other than preserving history.

Once complete, one section of the building will house a 1,300m² function venue, while a separate portion will consist of 1,100m² office space split between the ground floor and a raised mezzanine.

The entire facility will be climate controlled, with water tanks and a generator for backup water and electricity.

MBDA project manager Tamlynn David said the project was about 80% complete. A total of 80 jobs had been created since the project commenced. To date, 16 SMMEs have completed their allocated roles in the construction, with a further four yet to start their work.

The anticipated completion date is June 2026. Once complete, the Sheds will form part of a proposed Science and Technology Park, aimed at promoting technology and innovation development for existing industries in and around Nelson Mandela Bay. 

“The goal is for the office space to support startups and small businesses, create jobs and develop skills, and connect industry, government and education,” David said. DM