R40 million Rivertown Precinct to bridge market gap
The plans include a canal that runs along John Milne Street which will be paved and closed to traffic.
DURBAN’S R40m Rivertown Precinct project, initiated by eThekwini Municipality’s Catalytic Projects Unit, will bridge the space between the city’s iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) and the beachfront with bustling lanes of boutique shops, galleries and art performances.
The project is expected to begin towards the end of June.
The announcement was made on Monday, 27 May by the Rivertown Precinct project manager, Themba Masimulaa.
“The beachfront was considered a ‘platinum’ area, but there was link missing between the ICC, which attracted thousands of delegates to the city, and the beachfront. Rivertown will bridge that gap. This project has the potential to link the western part of the city with the beachfront. It can result in a seamless flow of people from the ICC to the beachfront. As people traverse the area from the ICC towards the beach, they must feel safe and free to walk,” he said.
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eThekwini Municipality’s acting head of communications, Msawakhe Mayisela said the city’s vision is to regenerate the area with a mix between creative and commercial ventures such as private galleries, small theatres, restaurants and other entertainment venues, forging a cultural precinct that would offer local and international tourists a unique Durban experience.
The plans include a canal that runs along John Milne Street which will be paved and closed to traffic, and the addition of some 300 trees to be planted within the precinct.
Rivertown Precinct is presently home to a wide range of businesses from traditional retail, warehousing, motor repairs, sales and supplies to lifestyle and creative businesses.
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Grishka Naidoo, from the eThekwini Transport Authority showed residents the plans for the transport network, and promised additional parking bays would be created.
“There are also plans for increased facilities for non-motorised transport modes. We will also be investigating having loading bays being used as parking bays after normal trading hours,” he said.
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