A pioneer of Jozi’s pavement restaurant culture, Greenside, is at an impasse. The neighbourhood needs to develop and re-imagine itself, but residents and business owners aren’t unanimous about the way forward.
Two clear paths have emerged – most want to recreate the suburb and rebuild it for the benefit of all, but there are those who believe wishful thinking will restore Greenside to its former glory.
The suburb of Greenside… has come to a significant juncture in the history of its development. The community needs to look ahead and decide what step they must take next to develop the suburb.
Greenside can either embrace a new vision for the suburb and revitalise the space, or alternately, there’s the option of wishing that Greenside would restore to its former glory.
One only needs to look at Maboneng and Braamfontein to realise the huge benefit these districts have accrued through concerted improvement. The rewards have been increased [visits] to the commercial hubs in the area, a marked increase in property prices, and the ability to attract investment capital.
… There’s been a significant enhancement of people’s experience of life, thriving entrepreneurial opportunities have been created, jobs have been created, and there’s been a big benefit in tourism and cultural terms.
The new vision that has been presented for Greenside is big, bold and daring. But it is a sustainable and well-reasoned proposition that looks set to breathe new life into the suburb [which] has drawn undesirable elements at times.
The imaginative plan – dubbed Love Greenside – was created by the Greenside College of Design in collaboration with members of the Greenside Business Association and has been received enthusiastically from most at the Greenside Residents’ Association.
A collective of business owners have drawn together in the common interest of preserving and promoting the suburb.
To read the rest of Oresti’s opinion, go online to rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za
Details: Oresti Patricios yebostaki@gmail.com
Ed’s note: This letter has been edited.
