Experts give input on inner city revamp

A SUCCESSFUL workshop was held last week in which experts in the Built Environment field were invited to comment on the proposed Inner City Local Area Plan.

The workshop, which also addressed a parallel Inner-City Regeneration Strategy, saw a robust discussion take place between City officials and the Built Environment experts who deliberated on the future of Durban in terms of planning design.

While there were areas of the plan the experts suggested be reviewed, there was a general consensus that the plan would definitely improve the current state of the inner-city.

According to eThekwini municipality's head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, the Inner City Local Area Plan is a high-level plan to inform the detail precinct plans, Inner City Regeneration Strategy and an Implementation Plan, which will be developed once the Local Area Plan is finalised.

“Ultimately the Local Area Plan aims to ensure the inner-city of Durban will be a vibrant, connected, walkable and integrated city centre to provide suitable environment for economic, residential, sporting and leisure opportunities for all,” she said.

Including the recently held workshop, there have been 35 stakeholder engagement and communications meetings and workshops held to date.

Mthethwa said further engagements are planned for the new year including an open day in March to obtain comments on the Local Area Plan as well as another major workshop to discuss the regeneration plan. The precinct plans are expected to be completed in May next year. The regeneration plan is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2016 and will then shift to an implementation focus.

“A major carnival is planned for May next year with the intention of creating a paradigm shift in the way the Inner City is perceived and used as a reference point. The Inner City Master Plan will be launched at the carnival to better illustrate the changes planned for Durban while at the same time activating the Inner City precinct. The launch will also serve as a signature of the administrative and political revival of the City Hall as a key Durban City hub of interaction and democratic decision making,” she said.

Mthethwa said this event will be the catalyst to activate continuous dialogue, collaboration and active interaction between the city, businesses and communities.

“At these events City leaders and officials will be promoting Durban’s diverse culture, encouraging strong public-private sector involvement while also mobilising resources to facilitate the creation and constructive management of the urban realm in the City,” she said.

The public is encouraged to give their input by visiting the projects webpage on the City’s website and leave their comments on the proposed plan.

The website is also updated regularly with any new developments in the plan.

Acting deputy city manager for economic development and planning, Musa Mbhele, said: “This is your opportunity to have your say. This is your city, we are building a city for the future generations. We want you to interact fully with us. Suggestions will be taken into consideration.”

Mbhele also referred to the Inner City Rejuvenation Strategy as a process to tackle issues of crime and grime in the inner city as well as traffic congestion, derelict buildings and water and electricity interruptions.

Residents can visit: https://bit.ly/1OjKR7c to find out more about the project and leave their comments.