‘Zanzibari land should be sold’
Local coouncillor belives land should be sold for development.
WARD 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois believes the vacant Zanzibar Trust land on the Bluff should be sold off to increase the economic status of the community and create jobs.
The land, which is situated at the corner of Hartlepool and Bluff roads, has been unoccupied for about 55 years. A few years ago, it was handed back to the descendants of the Zanzibari people who were forcefully removed from in the 1960s.
“Although their ownership was re-established by the Land Claims Court some 10 years ago, development of it has stalled amid controversy of what was proposed major flaws in the EIA. In the meantime, the economic development of the Bluff has virtually gone into overdrive. The establishment of the Oxford store, the major expansion of Bluff Towers and daily congestion at the SuperSpar and Hillside Mall centres provide ample proof those shopping areas have been overtaken by the economic needs of the Bluff,” said Du Bois.
“With over 52,000 square metres, the Zanzibari land is not only the last remaining major piece of unoccupied land on the Bluff, but it is also centrally positioned for commercial development. While the actual value of the land would have to be established by a valuator, its potential worth can be gauged by the R641 per square metre price which a plot of land fetched in a neighbouring street.
Based on that price, the Zanzibari land could be worth anything upwards of R20-million.
Whatever its real worth is, it is certainly more than double the money paid out by the Land Claims court. Therefore, one would hope the Zanzibari Trust would see merit in selling off that land. Its potential for job creation and poverty alleviation is enormous.
As a developed entity, it would enhance the Bluff’s rates base because the value of properties in its vicinity would be boosted whereas the vacant, undeveloped state of the Zanzibari land has caused unease and uncertainty in the adjacent property market.”
Community spokesman, Clive Herron said there does not yet appear to be any activity on from the Zanzibar Trust with regard to new proposals.
About the future of the land and Cllr Du Bois’ suggestion, Herron had the following to say: “If they come back with plans for matchbox houses, they must expect a fight – their new EIA will have to be spot on as we have consultants on our side who have experience in dealing with these matters.
Councillor Du Bois’ suggestion to sell the land is probably their best route – there are some of the best city views to be had and I am sure there would be a great demand. For another major shopping centre, I am not convinced. A shopping centre must have a key tenant and we already have the three major supermarket chains plus Oxford in place.
Maybe a secondary commercial trading centre could be established.
This was envisaged in the original plan and from my point of view, I would be critical about the exact siting of such a development, bearing in mind that a few years earlier residents objected to a filling station being built opposite Spar. The plan was turned down by council.
Sale to a developer for subdivision into plots for individual and cluster housing of a standard equal and in harmony with the existing area would find favour.
We have had a good rapport with the Zanzibari Trust and its members we have had dealings with, and I am sure they will consult with the community regarding their intention and consider our suggestions,” said Herron.
