Bethelsdorp Village

Bethelsdorp Village predates Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage and started as a Missionary Station. The Bethelsdorp Development Trust (BDT) commissioned a Framework Plan to address the following:

• The identification of the boundaries of the historical area,
• The upgrading of this area including the main square, cemetery, etc,
• The creation of a heritage trail on the theme of the city as an open museum,
• Conservation guidelines for existing, infill and new buildings,
• The creation of links to the area,
• A new access road to the historical core.

In 2008 the Environmental Services Department appointed The Matrix to develop detailed plans for the upgrade and restoration of the main square in Bethelsdorp and the old Cemetery. The area has a great potential to become an important tourist attraction in the area. These projects are currently awaiting funding.