City signs beachfront leases

LEASES for the vacant beachfront premises are in the processs of being signed. That’s the official word from municipal spokesman Thabo Mofokeng,

In a media release Mofokeng said the Durban beachfront would have a lot more on offer in the next few months with two of the kiosks as well as the Dairy Beach restaurant premises having been official handed over to the new tenants. “We expect the rest of the leases to be signed by month end,”he said. The leasing of the premises is the final stage in the upgrade of the beachfront. Municipality has begun the process of signing the leases for the beachfront premises and in the next few months there will be a lot more on offer on the Durban

The new restaurants selected for the beachfront will bring an exciting new mix of food, retail, and sporting offerings aimed at adding value to the beachfront. The new mix will include upmarket as well as casual eating outlets, some with a distinct local flavour.

On Wednesday, 20 November, the lease for the Dairy Beach premises was signed by Mr Sadha Naidoo of Calypso Property Investments (Pty) Limited . His restaurant, Durban Beach Club, will bring both a formal and informal dining experience to the beachfront. Naidoo said Durban has a world class beachfront and he hoped to open an iconic restaurant, which included casual dining during the day offering a snack menu, and would transform in the evening into an elegant dining restaurant that would activate the area.

It is expected the other two restaurant premises at Addington Beach and New Beach will be signed up within the next week. The Surf Riders Café at Addington Beach will offer a restaurant and coffee shop in a unique and relaxed atmosphere which encapsulates the Durban surfing culture with a surf museum display forming part of the theme. A retail store outlet retailing surf goods and surf wear; Roxy Learn 2 Surf and equipment rentals is also on the cards.

A Shisanyama restaurant which will look to “replicate, with some creative licence the Shebeen environment of South Africa” will provide, amongst other dishes, a selection of speciality meat dishes cooked in various open flame methods within a relaxed environment.

With regards to the kiosks, Afros Braai’d Chicken will be situated at the South Beach Kiosk. Afros is a proudly local braaied chicken brand that uses locally sourced ingredients. Unlike most South African fast food chicken outlets, Afros is based on African and not on Portuguese or American recipes.

“”fros represents a fresh new approach to the chicken takeout market in South Africa, drawing its inspiration from the local culture and products and promoting pride in being African,” he said.

The Bike and Bean will also bring a unique offering to the Country Club Kiosk. Bike and Bean is an informal facility where the public can hire bicycles and grab a bite to eat. Beach paraphernalia such as towels, buckets and spades, will also be sold. Owner, Viki Ferreira was really excited at being given the opportunity, saying that it was a dream come true. “I can’t express how excited I am to be able to introduce the concept of The Bike & Bean to Durban. It’s just like the best early Christmas present ever. We at The Bike and Bean really look forward to adding value to the vision of the City,” she said.

A third kiosk at Battery Beach is expected to be awarded within the next 10 days

Mofokeng said the two kiosks which have been signed up will be operational in time for the festive season however, the three bigger restaurants would take longer to set up and are expected to be operational early in 2014.