Background of the LWDC

During the early 1990’s a Cabinet Resolution was taken to inject funds into dying towns in Namibia to improve their economic base. One of these was Lüderitz where the planning of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC) commenced in 1996. LWDC is a wholly State Owned Enterprise committed to becoming a catalyst for economic development and investment for both Lüderitz and Karas Region.
Phase 1, which includes the Harbour Square on landfill, shops, restaurants and offices, was completed in 2002. The purpose of Phase 1 was to lay the foundation for further development of the project and approximately N$35 million was spent on infrastructure, public facilities and various structures.

During 2009 the Cabinet of the Republic of Namibia approved in principle the proposals submitted by the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company for Phase
2 and also pledged the support of the various Ministries and Government agencies to facilitate development.
Although funds have been made available by the sole share holder, the Namibian Government for Phase 2, three of the components ie: Retail Outlet, Residential and Hotel are planned to be financially self sustainable and market driven. The Old Power Station (to be known as Lüderitz Waterfront Multi-purpose Centre) however, is seen as a capital project supported by various ministries which include Education and Youth and Sport, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Trade and Industry,

Due to the fact that the Cabinet Resolution committed the Ministries to support the development, the Board approached the Ministry of Education who in turn supported the notion of Tertiary Education in the Karas Region.
The Polytechnic of Namibia was approached and it is now unanimously agreed that a Satellite Campus to serve Southern Namibia will be included in the Old Power Station building together with other facilities such as sport, maritime museum, craft centre and others.
Facilities for sport are proposed and the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture have been requested to support this initiative, future expansion of the Polytechnic of Namibia is included in the master planning. It is expected that the building of the project will commence in June 2011 and be completed in 2013.
During construction approximately 1000 jobs will be created where after 450 to 600 permanent jobs will be provided, excluding those generated in the tourism industry itself .This project aims to provide a lot of opportunities for the youth in terms of upgrading their educational qualifications and provide recreational activities.
Architecturally the Power Station building, which is registered on the Institute of Architects’ historical register, offers an interesting challenge. The original character of the building will be retained and a new inner building constructed within the peripheral skin provides an air pocket between the new and the old, insulating the occupants from heat, cold, wind, dust and noise. This is inline with modern technology providing a sustainable cost effective solution to the problem.
It should be noted that the Power Station, which was originally coal driven, will now be powered by a wind turbine making the building unique in its own right.•