Whale Coast plans draw mixed reactions
Wentworth meeting shows some hesitation from locals.
MORE than a year after the first round of public consultation meetings took place, eThekwini Municipality is finally revealing its proposal for the KZN’s ‘Whale Coast’ upgrade to mixed reviews.
The South Durban beach upgrade proposal was first presented to the community on Tuesday, 25 November in Wentworth. Called the Whale Coast, the proposed development stretches from Ansteys to Cuttings Beach and includes environmental, leisure, sporting, tourism and economic considerations.
Architect, Ian van Biljoen, who worked on the proposals, said they looked at the assets of each of the beaches and how they would be able to create opportunities. “We took an integrated approach and looked at how we can ensure sustainability and economic empowerment,” he said.
The proposals were tabled in a video, which can be viewed by clicking here. For responses from the community members at the meeting click here.
In the distributed documents on the plans, Ansteys is designated as a restaurant precinct. “This will activate the area during the day and night and afford visitors and tourists access to the beach, which is a defining feature of the Bluff, at all times,” states the document. Foreshore Drive will be mostly a pedestrian beach with a new surfer’s clubhouse, viewing decks, a boardwalk for jogging and cycling, a skate park and picnic area established.
Brighton Beach will become the sporting district. “The idea is to create a true sporting destination activity precinct that supports over 28 coastal sporting activities throughout the year. The formalisation of these activities will sustainably activate and support the area economically and make it possible to initiate important empowerment programmes.” Strand Road will be extended for access to the beach and the existing road will be narrowed for predominantly pedestrian use.
Treasure Beach is viewed as an environmental asset and the plan is to retain it as such. “Not many interventions are planned near the beach, apart from the upgrading of existing ablution facilities and the provision of a cycling/jogging boardwalk to connect Treasure Beach to Brighton and Wessa. The carpark, however, needs significant improvements if it is to become a desirable destination.”
Cuttings Beach, the proposal suggests the reinforcing of the north bank with geo-synthetic containers, reinstatement of parking facilities and the establishment of a satellite police station. “Access to the South Bank is to be created by way of a bridge across the canal and a weir is to be constructed. A new pier and tidal rock pool is to be constructed 500m from the canal mouth.”
Of the proposals made, Yusuf Patel from Architects Collaborative said the two main interim proposals are to improve the amenities and environment at Cuttings Beach and to pen up Strand Road to allow access to Brighton Beach. The assembly was in agreement with the plans to improve Cuttings Beach but many were opposed to the plan for Strand Road.
Some believed the road was not a feasible option as it is too narrow and would create traffic flow problems. “They should have walked door-to-door along Strand Road to see what the consensus of the residents is. They did not, but I did and the majority are greatly opposed to this idea,” said outgoing Bluff Ratepayers Association chairman, Ivor Aylward.
Van Biljoen believes the extension of Strand Road to the beach makes sense and is the best viable option to alleviate traffic problems for Foreshore Drive and to allow access to Brighton Beach. “The road is wide enough and if need be, we can cut into the verges. What people who live there must understand is that this was already zoned years ago for the purpose of building a road and it will have many more benefits for them than it will cause problems,” said van Biljoen.
Patel said the Strand Road proposal will help Brighton Beach develop. “Brighton Beach can’t develop as a node if traffic is held up at Ansteys,” he said. By creating access to the underutilised section of shore, he said, Brighton Beach will become a node on its own with its own character.
“There is no local economic development happening on the Bluff. It has fantastic opportunities for people to stay there, but there is potential for expansion in other fields. At present no-one knows how to get there, signage is pathetic. The congestion at Ansteys is also a problem. Security is an issue at Brighton, with no full-time people employed and this needs to be addressed.
Community member, Louise Emser said she hopes the area won’t become too commercial. “It needs to remain green. Small industries are good, but not large businesses. We don’t want to change the character of the area or copy other Durban beaches, and improved public transport is essential,” she said.
Van Biljoen said the beaches need to be activated to make them the fabric of the community once more. “The beaches are viewed with suspicion these days and we need to provide economic empowerment to make the residents custodians of the beach,” he said.
