Core Centre to be rezoned?
FOURWAYS - The Core shopping centre may be up for a controversial facelift and community members are urged to voice their opinions.
Registered owner, RFC Development, has applied for a rezoning of The Core to include places of amusement. The centre has had a chequered past, and this application is intended to maximise the its profit by increasing the diversity of resident businesses.
The places of amusement for which The Core is applying might refer to nothing more controversial than restaurants with live entertainment. But this allocation can also include night clubs, casinos and establishments providing adult entertainment – all of which are likely to see some residents up in arms.
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe, however, provides a reminder that the Sunninghill area is already allocated under the Regional Space Development Framework as a regional business node, not a residential area. This allocation allows for many and varied land uses, including restaurants and entertainment facilities.
“While I understand the complaints about noise and elements of criminal activity, residents bought in this node knowing it was a business node. And with that comes certain land use rights the city approved years ago,” said Deppe.
Should rezoning be approved, the centre will still need individual licences in order to incorporate casinos, night clubs or adult entertainment facilities into its new image.
Residents should watch the Government Gazette for details of these and other developments.
“It is important for residents to take part in discussions about the development of their own suburb,” Deppe emphasised. Meanwhile, residents’ association, Sunninghill Community is encouraging any residents who oppose the rezoning to register their objections with the department of town planning.
Deppe said, “As the public you have always got the right to demand what… is acceptable to your area you live in. The city has many public processes in place for you to make your voice heard.”
Details: Address objections to: The Executive Manager, Development Planning & Urban Management, Room 8100, Metropolitan Centre, 158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein; suncommunity@iafrica.com; annette@deppe.co.za
