The 1820 Settlers National Monument is to be turned into South Africa’s biggest 1-stop travel complex, complete with a state-of-the-art workshop, accommodation, restaurants, an IMAX movie theatre, a health centre, a nightclub and an aquarium.
The 1820 Settlers National Monument is to be turned into South Africa’s biggest 1-stop travel complex, complete with a state-of-the-art workshop, accommodation, restaurants, an IMAX movie theatre, a health centre, a nightclub and an aquarium.
Provisionally named Monumental Motormecca, the facility is the first of its kind in South Africa, and is based on similar facilities that are being successfully introduced across the United States and Europe.
The R450m mega facility, which will be paid for by the Makana Municipality from its petty cash account, will have 30 petrol pumps and 15 diesel pumps alongside the well-equipped workshop, will have parking for 300 cars and ample accommodation, including a 50-room motel, a 300-room hotel and a communal dormitory for those on a budget.
For those on the other end of the budget scale, the sprawling penthouse on the top floor of the historic building offers uninterrupted views of Grahamstown, dedicated chef and concierge services and a private lift down to private underground parking.
National 1-stop Association spokesperson King April the 1st was all smiles at the official launch press conference yesterday. “The N2 between Port Elizabeth and East London is a very busy route and this new mega facility offers motorists – whether holidaying families or long-distance truck drivers – a wealth of options with regard to relaxation and replenishment.”
“Forget about stopping for five minutes for a fill-up and a Coke – at Monumental Motormecca you can stay the night, watch a movie or mingle with fellow motorists in the nightclub, stroll around the aquarium or simply gaze at the stars from Fort Selwyn, which will be left as is to keep the heritage guys reasonably happy,” the king said.
News of Monumental Motormecca has brought mixed reactions from the Grahamstown community. For many local business owners, Monumental Motormecca will pose a threat, but for others the extra influx of visitors to the city is promising.
“Instead of casting a suspicious glance over Grahamstown when passing by, many motorists will now pull off the N2 to stop at Monumental Motormecca, and many of them will also venture further down into town where they will spend money at local businesses and experience the unique charms of Grahamstown,” said a representative from Makana Tourism.
“Ag no man!” said the owner of Grahamstown’s only existing cinema complex. “This will ruin my business. How can I compete with an IMAX theatre with a 30-metre screen?”
Local gym owners were also bordering on despondency: “I’ve got three worn-out treadmills and a five rusty weights machines, while those guys up there are getting a heated indoor pool, squash courts, full spinning studio and an aerobics floor – they’ll close me down in days,” said one gym owner.
Local nightlife-lover Treffer van der Linde was excited about the news of a new nightclub in Grahamstown. “Ja no, I am totally stoked about this. Me and my buddies are getting a bit bored of New Street, you know, so we’ll definitely go up there and check out this new club when it opens. It sounds lank kief,” he enthused.
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