Well what we really mean is that the Durban Beachfront Upgrade will be ready for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, but is sounds like it is going to be so great, it will be enjoyed by residents and holidaymakers alike for many years to come.
Durban Beachfront Upgrade
I’ve been hearing stories of this Durban Beachfront Upgrade for ages, and have now seen the first comprehensive story in plain English – I don’t speak “town planning” and get a bit squint when I hear about nodes and interfaces, but the story is plain and simple -
Umlazi Fieldband at the Durban Amphimarket Fleamarket on the Beachfront
We have eight kilometers of beach from the harbour to the Blue Lagoon in Durban and this revamp is going to remove all the structures and buildings that interfere with making it a smooth, clear and beautiful stretch of beachfront.
Sure there are some casualties and some people are whining once again about this and about that – as they are wont to do, but there is no doubt in my mind that the only way to get this job done is an integrated plan and to do it one-time – like it is being done now.
I think I can even cope with the nodes. Anything for the 2010 World Cup!
As Julie May Ellingson,head of strategic projects and 2010 planning at the eThekwini Municipality told IOL:
“We have 8km of amazing shoreline and we must use it to its full potential. For that we need a decent promenade with activity nodes about every 300m all the way along.”
I am happy that they are going to remove the toilets at bottom of the Amphimarket and open it up to the beach
“The bathrooms under the big bank at the Amphitheatre will be demolished. There will be new ablution blocks at the skate park with a deck and skate shop which will have direct interface with another restaurant node.” says Ellingson
I just hope they have thought about what happens when the wind blows off the sea – those big mounds over the toilets create a wonderful sheltered area where the Amphimarket Flea Market takes place on Sundays as it has for the past 25 years.
So Roll on Durban Beachfront Upgrade – We will be ready for the visitors when the 2010 World Cup comes along.
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I do not agree that this “upgrade” is going to improve anything and is being rushed to accomodate a transient event that will leave a legacy of frustration to the people of Durban and in particular the ratepayers.
The famous A1 GP’has left no one better off (in particular the ratepayers) and ruined the beachfront in that area.(remember the palmed avenues?)
This new “upgrade” will rid the beachfront of all character and severly restrict access, parking and the lifestyle of the residents of the immediate area.
A concrete wasteland with a few potted palms dotted here and there.
I’m sorry you’re so upset Roger – I understand, change is scary for most people – they resist it with everything they have.
I think the A1 brought a lot of attention to Durban – it also brought credibility to the city with regards to events management.
I’m sure the new beachfront is going to look wonderful. And will be far from a “concrete wasteland with a few potted palms dotted here and there”. Don’t you know the eThekwini’s Parks department won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show this year?
The ripples from 2010 will last for quite a while, and I hope you appreciate that this “transient” event as you call it, is pretty much keeping the economic slow down away from South Africa at this very moment.
So smile Roger and learn to diski dance…
Clearly dear old Roger has not done much reading about what this upgrade is really about and tends to sit in his chair and moan.
Parking will be increased dramatically. The number beach cafes incresed, the landscaping plan is detailed and includes way more foilage than is currently around. Sightlines will be improved, enhancing safety.
All in all this is the upgrade Durban has needed for years and will leave the city with a brilliant beachfront product. This coupled with the dedicated tourist police force on the beachfront, the over 50 new vehicles for them, the extra horses, the extra bicycles and you have a winner…
If you want to read constant updates on this project visit the following link
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=760720
I sincerely hope that adequate facilities and ramps will be provided for those unfortunate to be wheelchair bound.
Other than that, it all looks and sounds tremendously exciting.
Wally, the eThekwini Municipality (Durban) is pretty good with disability issues. I know that the International Convention Centres is way above international Standards with regards to access etc – I am sure all these new facilities will be perfect for people in wheelchairs. I’ll have to ask my good friend Ari Seirlis, CEO of the Quad Para Association of South Africa to “test” drive the new facilities in a few months time.
All people should have equal access.
KAY-EL. Thanks for a strangely interesting reply.
Your reference to the ICC is perhaps the worst example.
My partner and I recently went to the ICC to see the Expo for the Disabled. After arriving at what we thought was the entrance, Pine Street side or that direction anyway, we were directed to go around the building as the main entrance is that side. Old Fort side.
Now. There is no wheelchair access around the left side of the building. Lovely smooth wide pavement but no dropped ramps or dropped kerbs. All the way back, cross the road, down a dodgy pavement to the lights near Hilton and then we got there.
If the BEST building in Durban hasn’t got facilities, others don’t stand much chance.
But here’s hoping the beachfront will.
Sir,
I am writing this letter in reguard to what is being said about the upcoming world cup in South Africa. That is, whether the transport system can compete with any otherand whether we will be able to deal with any mishaps or delays with the present transport system.
Firstly, I would like to say that foreigners do not like to be treated without respect. We as South Africans have given up our repect as we feel that the world owes us a favour and we are getting what is due to us, but to compete with the best, we must strive to be the best. We must forget our road rage and be helpful to others for the sake of our futures.
Secondly, I would like to say that we cannot compete with first world country if our transport system does not work well. The private, as well as public transport system has to be upgraded with an emphasis on luxury, ease of use, and most importantly, it must run on time. These factors are more important than the x amount of rand that has been spent on wheelchair access, etc.
In short, Durban is not up to scratch when it comes to transport in general. We need to pour money into the ideas of luxury busses and other luxury transport that will cater for all people to make this world cup successful.
Your faithfully
Mr N.Peer
2108 Mangrove Beach Centre
91 Somtseu Rd.
Durban
Kwazulu/Natal
4001