City to transform Durban’s Rivertown precinct
Plans are afoot to ensure that Rivertown is a destination for a diverse and sophisticated inner-city community.
PLANS to upgrade the Rivertown Precinct are underway and the city aims to create a space that will captures the rhythm and spirit of the beach lifestyle and incorporating the culture of the city.
The Rivertown Precinct is situated to the east of the Durban Central Business District, between the City’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) and the Durban beachfront. The precinct was formally Durban’s light industrial area with several low-rise warehouses, some of which have significant historical value.
A public meeting that allowed interested stakeholders to give their input on the upgrades was held on Wednesday, 21 May at the ICC.
The proposed upgrade to the area is in line with the city’s vision of becoming a liveable city through creating mixed-use spaces, which form part of the City’s urban renewal plan.
eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede said the intention of the proposed upgrade is to re-use and transform the characteristics of the warehouses which are predominant in this precinct.
“At the centre of this transformation is to pedestrianise John Milne Street with restaurants, shops and small craft markets on either side to create an unprecedented experience for our local, intercontinental and international tourists,” she said.
Plans are afoot to ensure that Rivertown is a destination for a diverse and sophisticated inner-city community with a mix of contemporary apartments, offices and cultural venues of different sizes.
Gumede said the Rivertown precinct will showcase the best in contemporary design while retaining strong links to its rich heritage. She said chimney stacks and industrial relics will stand as landmarks of the past.
“Heritage buildings will be re-purposed and re-imagined for contemporary activities. Street and outdoor spaces will become exciting open-air galleries and stages for performances,” Gumede added. The development will include the Beer Hall node and Spice Emporium which are located in the precinct.
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