Umgeni Station Precinct plans revealed

IT was all systems go at the Umgeni Station Precinct stakeholder meeting at The Plant on Monday evening.

The City took its first step to engage stakeholders about their plans for the Precinct which forms part of the North Coast Public Transport corridor.

eThekwini officials were on hand from the development planning, economic development and roads departments as well as the strategic spatial planning departments. Ward Councillor Martin Meyer was also in attendance to answer questions.

The main aim of the meeting was to ensure the community had input and feedback on the best development path for the precinct.

“The meeting was definitely a success in that it managed to get people together who would otherwise not have a chance to interact on this project which will affect them. Also, it is important to understand that this is the first step in a process that will hopefully kick-start a great working relationship between the Umgeni Station Precinct stakeholders and the officials who serve them. This engagement definitely does not end with this meeting,” said Elizabeth Dubbeld, planner at eThekwini's Strategic Spatial Planning department.

Many tenants attended the meeting ensuring their concerns were considered. A decision was taken to set up a committee for current tenants going forward with plans. Derreck Petersen of the Design Factory said he hoped the precinct would remain “super cool.”

Martin Meyer said while the general consensus hoped for a “super cool” precinct with creatives, fashionistas, restaurants and retail, street cafes serving alcohol would not be considered as alcohol was not permitted on street pavements. “The project is trying to redress apartheid city planning. We also might want to consider multi uses for the various spaces either day or night to make the most of the space. The small businesses have taken the initiative with the space and started the process so I hope the City can assist them further with zoning and other issues,” he added.