Francistown plans integrated resort facility

Chakalisa Dube | Thursday July 7, 2016 15:22

The ambitious plan is part of the Local Economic Development (LED) strategy, which aims to position Francistown as one of the best leisure and tourist destinations in the country. The strategy is driven by the Francistown City Council (FCC).

The strategy is aligned to Francistown’s Vision 2022, which aims to revolutionise the economy of Francistown by the year 2022. The LED plan, which is still at its infancy, is designed by the LED technical team, which is made up of FCC staff members and other key organisations here.

“The opulent square product offering ranges from a high end classic boutique hotel, convention and exhibition facilities, entertainment shows, theme parks, luxury retail and fine dining. Its main purpose is to present the City of Francistown as an irresistible and appealing destination,” said Tshoganetso Ponoesele who is an acting business development manager at the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO). Ponoesele, who is based in Francistown, was speaking at a special full council meeting, Tuesday this week, whose purpose was to share certain contents of the strategy with the civic leaders.

According to Ponoesele the opulent square shall be divided into four main quarters namely the Blue Jacket Boulevard, Monarch Gem, Tati Concession Block and Nyangabgwe Knoll depicting urban renewal with historical and cultural preservations.

The Blue Jacket Boulevard will comprises 100 high-end boutique hotel, five penthouses, an Eco lake, and artificial beach, fine dining restaurants and wedding gardens among others. The Monarch Gem will consist of a train trail, Museum and Arts as well as curios. Nyangabwe Knoll will have the opulent tower and deck. It will also have the Bungee Jumping and Tower climbing.

In addition, the Tati Concession Block will house facilities such as the cinema and theatre, retail shops, beauty spar, kiddies joint and theme parks among others.  Once implemented the plan is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs in a period of two years. “We also expect economic spin-offs for local and regional businesses through sales of goods and services such as transportation; mid market accommodation, hospitality and entertainment,” Ponoesele said. At the moment, the LED technical committee is still carrying out a feasibility study on the implementation plan, marketing strategy and income cost models. The feasibility study will also look at the management and operational model of the square.