DURBAN’S current trendy, hip-and-happening hotspot has been earmarked for an upgrade.
According to Councillor Martin Meyer, plans are in the pipeline for additional parking space at the vibey Station Drive precinct off Umgeni Road.
This follows council’s decision to acquire additional land alongside the road that will developed for more parking.
“The major challenge for the precinct is parking and limited space, however there is municipal land on Station Drive and railway land which has not been utilised.”
“At the last council meeting, the municipality identified the area as an important arts and culture precinct, and agreed to allow officials to negotiate with PRASA to take over the land to use for parking and further development,” he said.
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In addition, Meyer said the city had agreed to undertake a public participation process to make Station Drive a one-way road.
“This will improve parking and drastically improve the flow of traffic in the road,” he said.
The Station Drive precinct has proved to be one of Durban’s more successful developments that has breathed new life into a previously dilapidated area.
“This precinct has enhanced tourism and is now known as the spot to visit in Durban.”
“I take all my international visitors to the area. It shows what can be done when entrepreneurs are able to come together to create something they have envisaged, rather than government doing something that is not utilised. Government should be creating more opportunities and environments for entrepreneurs to grow and establish themselves,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing more great things happening in Station Drive and would love to see the erection of a pedestrian bridge to link the precinct up with the Stables Lifestyle Market area,” he said.
