A spectacular R40 million Heroes Park Foundation complex, aimed at honouring Eastern Cape heroes, is to be built on the beachfront here, it was announced.

A sod-turning ceremony was to be attended by the Eastern Cape's first premier, struggle veteran and chairperson of the Heroes Park Foundation, Raymond Mhlaba, but poor health prevented him from travelling to the event.

"It is unfortunate that Oom Ray could not be here. He had to cancel his trip because of his frail health," said the convener of the Heroes Park Foundation, Dr Daya Appavoo.

Heroes Park is planned as a memorial building which will be situated between the Kennaway Hotel and the German Settlers Monument to honour past and present Eastern Cape heroes.

The complex will include a garden of remembrance and a footprint promenade, where all the heroes will be honoured.

It is envisaged that a total of 120 heroes will be immortalised at the park.

The first phase of construction starts on Monday, on construction of an open-air theatre, which will cost about R2m.

It will serve as a place of entertainment and also be a prominent tourist attraction.

This will be followed by the building of an exhibition centre which will include a research unit, the footprints and an exhibition site - together estimated to cost R40m.

"We aim to make an interactive people's centre which will create space for people to enjoy their culture and the linkages the park will create," said Appavoo.

The park will also honour and remember those who have made a contribution to the province across a wide spectrum.

"It will act as a source of inspiration for the province's youth, to contribute to its development and to sustain freedom."

The project would also serve a commercial need, providing a significant tourist attraction on the beachfront.

"This is envisaged as an ongoing project. The organisers hope that names among the youth of today will in time join those of the heroes now being honoured," said Appavoo.

Buffalo City executive mayor Sindisile Maclean said the park would serve as a "memory and celebration of the triumph of freedom over apartheid".

He added that it would also serve to remember Mhlaba's life.

Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela said the project would be a celebration of the Freedom Charter which has its 50th anniversary this year.

"Oom Ray spent 25 years in prison, which is half of the total years of the Freedom Charter. He spent those years fighting for his country," said Balindlela.

Eastern Cape Tourism Board chief executive Glenton de Kock said the ECTB was excited about the complex being built here.

"If it is blended with a domestic and national market it will enhance local tourism potential considerably," he said.

"The idea behind the Heroes Park is a good initiative to honour those who paid with their lives and hearts for their country," he said.

The park's architect, Sindile Ngonyama, said an African theme was used in the design.

"The centre will be built in the shape of an African drum, with an African tusk towering over it."